What is the BMVA?
The Blue Mountain Village Association (BMVA) is a not for profit association formed to manage and maintain all common areas and facilities in the Village, including marketing the Village as a four season destination, hosting year-round animation and festivals, landscaping, snow and garbage removal, maintenance and repair of Village infrastructure, operation of Plunge! Aquatic Centre and Millpond, liaise with levels of Government, free shuttle service and security.
How much do the events in the Village cost?
There is no charge for admission to Village events. All events are open to the public, unless otherwise specified.
Do I have to belong to the BMVA if I buy property in the Village?
Yes. All properties in the Village Core (Grand Georgian, Weider Lodge, Seasons at Blue, Mosaic at Blue, Westin Trillium House), Historic Snowbridge, Rivergrass, Monterra Ridge, Blue Horizon, Crestview, Primont, Castle Valley Developments are mandated to become members by a special Ontario legislation, Bill Pr14, An Act Respecting Blue Mountain Village Association passed in 1999. As well, certain properties at North Creek Resort, Chateau Ridge, Cachet Crossing, Mountain Walk and Wintergreen have chosen to join the BMVA. Membership is open to owners in these legacy developments.
Do I have to be a Member?
Yes. Every condominium and commercial business located on BMVA registered land must be a member. Members are classified as Lodging Owners (those properties earning rental income), Residential Owners (those properties not earning rental income) and Commercial Owners (business owners in the Village).
Other members include owners of undeveloped lots and Blue Mountain Resort LP. In addition, some businesses due to their close proximity to the Village see the advantage of voluntary Associate membership with the BMVA.
What does being "registered on title" mean?
The BMVA is listed as an interested party on title to all Village properties, similar to the way a Condominium Corporation would be listed. This simply means that ownership of the property comes with certain obligations, rights and responsibilities as a member to the BMVA as noted in the General Bylaw.
What fees do I have to pay?
The location of a Village property is taken into consideration in the fee structure. It is recognized that the properties within the Village Core (Grand Georgian, Weider Lodge, Seasons at Blue, Mosaic at Blue, Westin Trillium House) derive a larger benefit from the activities of the BMVA.
The Annual Basic Fee, currently $1.00 inside the Village Core and $0.25 outside the Village Core is based upon the square footage of the property. This fee is determined annually as part of the budget process and can be adjusted according to operational costs of the BMVA that are not covered by special fees, royalty fees, entry fees and revenues from operations. The rate has remained the same amount since 2008 and as of 2019 has decreased from $1.08 inside the Village Core and from $0.27 outside the Village Core.
A one-time Entry Fee is applicable upon the purchase of a BMVA member property. The amount is dependent upon the location of the property. 2% (in the Village Core) or 0.5% (outside the Village Core) of the purchase price.
A Rental Royalty fee aka Village Amenity Fee (VAF) is applicable for Lodging members. The lodging member and Blue Mountain Resort, or other Rental Managers, each pay 1% of the gross rental revenues earned from the property. This fee is charged to the paying guests, collected and remitted by Blue Mountain Resort on behalf of the member to the BMVA. Members utilizing other rental managers in the area or those who rent their property privately are responsible for submitting the 2% fee directly to the BMVA.
All BMVA fees are HST applicable.
When will I get billed for the annual Basic Fees?
The Basic Fee is due quarterly in advance. The BMVA fiscal year runs from July 1st through to June 30th. One annual invoice is sent to all members in early June. The annual fee is divided into 4 equal quarterly payments which are due on July 1st, October 1st, January 1st and April 1st. Members have the option to pay the annual fee if that is more convenient.
How can I pay my fees?
There are several methods to pay fees:
- By cheque, payable to Blue Mountain Village Association. We will hold post-dated cheques until the due date for deposit.
- By using the online payment facilities provided by all Canadian bank and credit union accounts. To do this, the BMVA must be set as a "payee" on the bill feature of your bank. Your account number is referenced on your annual Basic Fee invoice. Quarterly payments can be set up to occur automatically, allowing the Member control of payments.
- Via email transfer. Send through to email address accounting@bluemountainvillage.ca and reference your account number as per your Basic Fee invoice.
- Pre-Authorized Debit. Authorization form can be downloaded here. Complete and return along with a void cheque. The Basic Fee, will be automatically deducted from your account on July 1st, October 1st, January 1st and April 1st. If these dates are not business days, the funds will be deducted on the next business day after the first. Your information will be set up on TD/Canada Trust's Web Business Banking System which is secured by 2 separate login passwords. As an additional security safeguard, your banking information will NOT be recorded in our computerized accounting system. All authorization forms including void cheques will be kept secured in the BMVA office.
What do my fees pay for?
In addition to the above listed homeowner fees, fees are paid to the BMVA by Blue Mountain Resorts LP, Commercial and Associate members. Fees are generally structured on an equitable basis that reflects the various economic interests in the Village. Together, all of these fees support the following BMVA activities:
- Festivals & Events
- Animation
- Seasonal Decorations & Lighting
- Transit Links
- Destination Marketing
- Landscaping & Gardens
- Public Washrooms
- Snow & Garbage Removal
- Fountain Operations
- Irrigation system feed
- Repair and replacement of the Village infrastructure
- Operation of the Plunge! Aquatic Centre
- Stewardship of the Millpond
- Security
- Shuttle Service, in partnership with Blue Mountain Resort
- Government Relations
Do I have to pay the Entry Fee if I give my property to my children?
If the consideration paid for the transfer of the property to a relative is less than 10% of the market value, then no Entry Fee is payable.
If I transfer my unit into my business name for tax purposes do I have to pay an Entry Fee?
If the member is the principle of the corporation and there is no or nominal consideration paid for the transfer, then no Entry Fee is payable. A sworn affidavit regarding the member's position in the corporation is required along with a copy of the title registration transfer document to transfer the membership.
If my spouse is a co-owner and passes away, what documentation do I need to send the BMVA?
A copy of the portion of the executed will stating beneficiary of the property is required. There is no fee applicable, except if the property is subsequently sold by the estate of the deceased.
What are the benefits of being a member?
- Membership – Members have voting rights and are encouraged to participate in the direction of the BMVA by becoming a member of the Board and/or Committees.
- Membership Privilege Program – This is a voluntary program developed by the BMVA and Commercial Members in the Village to offer BMVA members discounts or offers on shopping/dining/activities. The program is available to the registered owner of the property and their immediate family that reside with them (spouse and children over the age of 3). Privileges are not extended to members guests and apply to BMVA members only. Personalized photo Identification is issued. An application form is required and receipt of acceptable pictures. See details here
- Resort Shuttle – This is provided as an alternative mode of transportation around the resort.
- Taxi – Exclusive arrangements with a local taxi company have been made to ensure sufficient taxi services are available for guests visiting the Village.
- Communications & Information – Members are invited to the Annual General Meeting of Members which provides current information on the BMVA operations, including government relations and Resort activities. Our website has been developed to keep members and the public updated on the many activities, events, shopping and dining experiences in the Village. One may sign up on the homepage to receive the Event weekly Newsletter. On the members section of the website, we store all past communications to our member community and we circulate a quarterly member homeowner newsletter.
- Events – Events and animation are provided in the Village on weekends for 10 months of the year and every day during peak vacation periods, ie: March Break, July & August.
- Marketing – Our comprehensive marketing program aims to reach target markets both locally and internationally through print, radio and broadcast advertising to promote our award-winning festivals and shopping and dining; international marketing in association with Ontario Travel and Destination Canada; Friends and Media (FAM) Tours for key influencers; Digital marketing and social media; and drive regional marketing programs like The Apple Pie Trail to increase the length of visitor stays and build the international profile of our region as a tourism destination.
- Government Relations – The BMVA is an advocate for members to governments at all levels; ie: two year process to successfully amend the Provincial legislation regarding change of tax classification from Commercial to new Resort Condominium classification and current lobbying against additional hotel taxes. By monitoring all levels of government activities and responding to issues, the BMVA ensures our members' best interests will have a voice and their needs are met. For more information, contact Andrew Siegwart, President of the Blue Mountain Village Association.
I'm thinking of selling my Village property. What do I need to do?
Due to the unique organizational structure of the Resort, various organizations require notification when selling a Village property. We recommend members consider using a local realtor who is familiar with the various reporting requirements and language needed in purchase and sale advertising and agreements.
Vendors are responsible for ensuring the potential purchase is aware of the required membership with the BMVA prior to purchasing the property. As well they must notify the purchaser that certain obligations, rights and responsibilities are part of that membership. The vendor should also inform the potential purchaser that a Status Certificate for this property must be requested prior to closing from the BMVA. The Status Certificate provides information on the current account status, fee structure and requirements, organizational structure and other information regarding the BMVA.
The Vendor and the Purchaser are jointly and severally responsible for ensuring the Entry Fee is paid upon closing of the sale. The Vendor should insist either this transaction be included as part of the closing reconciliation or a direction is issued to the Purchaser's lawyer requesting confirmation of payment of this fee to the BMVA.
I'm considering purchasing a property in the Village. What do I need to do?
Due to the unique nature of reporting and legal requirements to the various organizations involved with Village properties, we recommend potential members consider using a local realtor and lawyer when purchasing Village property.
A Status Certificate must be requested on the property. The fee is $75 + HST = $84.75. Three copies of the Status Certificate are included with other documentations; giving complete disclosure on the operations of the BMVA. The items included are:
- Members Guide including the General Bylaw and Special Act, Bill Pr14, An Act respecting Blue Mountain Village Association;
- Member Information Form;
- Most recent Annual Report including the audited financial statement;
- Recent communications to Members; and
- Other material pertinent to Village operations.
One copy of the signed Status Certificate, acknowledging receipt and the completed Member Information Form must be returned to the BMVA along with payment of any outstanding fees and the Entry Fee.
For further details on purchasing and selling a BMVA member property, contact Tina Ward at tward@bluemountainvillage.ca or call 705-444-7398 ext 221 or follow link HERE for additional information and Status Certificate Request form.