Calgary Business Mediation

(a lot of time it’s over ownership – who owns what)

Just like in the mediation between Calgary neighbours example, this following example is a typical call St. Shanon St. Pierre gets regarding mediation between two businesses.

David: Hi Shannon, I entered into an arrangement with a business (I’m a business owner too by the way) over some shared land use between us. The landlord is nowhere to be found other than me seeing a cheque cashed and I think he’d be useless to help the situation anyway… but I’m rambling, here’s the problem.

1. There are two businesses on a lot (mine and the trouble maker)
2. We are supposed to have equal access to a garage out back for storage.
3. The guy is using 95% of it.
4. Last year he asked me if he could use some extra space, my space, for a month, well, that month turned in to 8 months and now he thinks he owns the place.

Shannon: So you’d like to settle that?
D: heck yeah!

S: is there a chance he would come into my office where we could work on a process with you?
D: Let me ask you this. The guy is stubborn. I don’t think asking would get him in. If I sent him a letter saying either we are going to court or we see this lady (you) that would get him in.

S: Why not say that verbally [Shannon also have me a few tips on how exactly to say that] as a letter can actually be more threatening.
D: So tell him what?

S: Just say, let’s meet and talk about this. Let’s find a solution that’s good for both of us.  If he’s hesitant, say this can be way more cost effective than other alternatives.

Mediation

Mediation can be voluntary like in the case above or it can be done through the courts – court appointed mediation. Considering the costs of legal fees and the time involved, a voluntary meeting between the two parties can be a much faster solution and a lot less expensive.

Contact

Dr. Shannon St. Pierre Tel: (403) 282-1474
Calgary, Alberta, Canada