Old News
A Bit of Our History, 2012-2014

2012-2013

JANUARY

Michael commences term as CCI-GHC President
Pursuant to the Chapter's new organization, Michael's two-year term as Chapter vice-president ended on December 31, 2011, as did the president's (Rob Mullin) term.  Michael now serves as president till the end of 2013, seeing the Chapter through its 30th anniversary year (2012). 

The Golden Horseshoe Chapter is one of the founding Chapters of the Canadian Condominium Institute.  Michael has been involved with the Chapter since 2002, becoming a member of the board of directors in 2006.  Michael received his ACCIdesignation through the Chapter in 2008, achieving one of the highest passing scores on the legal exam since the ACCI program was started. 

In addition to serving on the Chapter executive, Michael's service to the Chapter includes co-authoring two books on Ontario condominium law, assisting in the re-writing of some of the Chapter's Level 100 and Level 200 course materials, contributing articles to Condo News, answering general inquiries that come to the Chapter, teaching courses and seminars, and participating on the Communications and Education Committees.

FEBRUARY-MARCH

Clifton Kok LLP celebrates 5th anniversary
On February 2, 2007, Clifton Kok LLP officially started doing business.  Its commencement period spanned a full month, however, since Michael was the only one of the original three members of the firm to start working that day.  For various personal reasons, both Mark and Helen did not start working till March 2. 

The firm's first office was the third floor at 10 Northumberland Street in Ayr - the old Canadian Bank of Commerce building where Robson Carpenter LLP is located.  The dank, dusty attic space was renovated with the help of Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd. and Jo Redman (Redman Watson, Interior Design) to become a beautiful hardwood and glass office.  However, the renovation wasn't ready till that Summer, so initially Michael holed up in the building's small, second floor sunroom off the kitchen (formerly Robson Carpenter's lunchroom) working at a table between the photocopier and server.  Mark was set up in their boardroom.

In the five years that followed, the firm expanded to four lawyers and three full-time support staff in addition to a book-keeper and computer/tech service expert on contract.  The firm now has its own building, having obtained and restored the 125-year old property at 12 Northumberland St., next door to the original office.  And the firm continues to grow. 

We are grateful to our clients, colleagues, family and friends who have supported us throughout this endeavour, and we look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries together with you.
MARCH-APRIL

12 Northumberland Street featured in Grand Magazine
Carolyn Gruske (writer) and Jesse Brenneman (photographer) dropped in earlier this year and produced a beautiful photo-spread and article celebrating the renovation of 12 Northumberland Street.  See the article here.

MAY

Mark elected to WRHBA Board of Directors
At the May 17th annual general meeting of the Waterloo Region Home Builders' Association, Mark was one of three people newly elected to the association's board of directors. 

WRHBA was formed in 1946 (sixteen years earlier than the Ontario Home Builders' Association) and has over 250 member companies including (in addition to home builders and land developers) renovators, financial specialists, manufacturers, service professionals, suppliers, and trade contractors.

In addition to serving on the board, Mark has been involved for some time in WRHBA committees that liaise between the association and the Region of Waterloo, the City of Cambridge and the Grand River Conservation Authority.  As the head of CK LLP's land development law division, being involved in WRHBA as a board member takes Mark's commitment to the region's development community to the next level.

MAY-JUNE

12 Northumberland Street wins Regional Heritage Award
On May 23, 2012, the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Pauline Todkill, informed Michael and Mark that their renovation of 12 Northumberland Street has been selected to receive one of this year'sAwards of Excellence.

According to the Foundation's website, the Awards of Excellence are intended to recognise outstanding contributions by individuals, institutions and organizations to heritage preservation in Waterloo Region, in such areas as archaeology, archives, culture, education, genealogy, history, literature, media, and natural history.  

Michael, Mark and John Dorey (of RJ Construction Ventures Inc., who perfomed the work) will receive the award at the Foundation's upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 12, 2012.

We express our appreciation to Rob Deutschmann, mayor of the Town of North Dumfries, for his kind nomination.

DECEMBER-JANUARY

Michael and Mark win 2012 Ontario Heritage Trust Award
In early January, Michael and Mark received notice that the Ontario Heritage Trust agency 
of the Ontario government selected them to receive the 2012 Heritage Community Recognition Program group award for built heritage.  This award recognizes the voluntary decision of Michael and Mark to invest in the restoration of 12 Northumberland Street to its historic form, design and dignity.

Thomas H. B. Symons, Chair of OHT, wrote on December 31, 2012, "We are deeply greateful for the efforts of individuals and groups who help preserve Ontario's unique and irreplaceable heritage treasures.  The exceptional contribution of volunteer groups like yours to communities across the province ensures that Ontario's heritage remains alive and meaningful".

Michael and Mark will each receive a certificate of recognition from the Township of North Dumfries later in February.