Lorne Young "Chapter of the Year Award"

Shortly after the National Canadian Condominium Institute was formed in Toronto, this young man with boundless energy was the motivating force in the formation of the Manitoba Chapter. Lorne Young, a Winnipeg property manager, provided financial support, a positive attitude and tireless devotion to the cause.

Lorne’s introduction to condominiums began in the late 1970’s while employed with Adway Sales and Marketing when he was given the task of handling the condo conversion of a large apartment complex. Lorne worked closely on the project with Bob Smethurst, a founding member of the Canadian Condominium Institute.

Shortly after the conversion was completed, Lorne and Bob came to the conclusion that Manitoba and Winnipeg needed an organization to lobby for legislative reforms and to provide education for those involved in the condominium industry including developers, managers, condo corporation directors/owners and professional groups. The organizational details were worked out and tailor-made for Manitoba in a series of additional meetings with other interested parties and one of Lorne’s dreams was accomplished with the formation of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute in April 1984.

During this time, Lorne realized another dream with the creation of SMI Sunridge Management Inc. SMI managed a large portfolio of condominiums and other properties across Western Canada while he was an owner and President of the firm. The SMI portfolio was eventually acquired by O&Y Enterprise Real Estate Services.

Lorne Young served as Vice President for the first two years after the incorporation of CCI Manitoba and then succeeded Bob Smethurst as President from 1986 to 1989. He was also on the National Board of CCI and was National Chair from 1989 until his tragic death in a snowmobile accident.

Lorne Young’s accomplishments while President of the Manitoba Chapter included:

1. The establishment of a special tax classification for owner/occupied condominiums
2. Development of CCI education courses in Manitoba
3. 75% increase in Manitoba Chapter membership
4. nitiation of the CCI Manitoba newsletter

A SUDDEN END

At the 1989 Annual Conference, Lorne Young, having completed his participation in the Conference, was seen asking if he could get home earlier than awaiting the closing ceremonies. He subsequently phoned the airline to see if he could and when confirmed, he flew home on the earlier flight so as to be able to spend more time with his family.

Unfortunately he suffered his tragic death in a snowmobile accident on January 28th, 1990 at the age of 36 years.

Sources: Larry Beeston, F.C.C.I., Rob Giesbrecht, F.C.C.I., Hugh Falconar, F.C.C.I.