Passing Kindly
Navigating Indoor Spaces on Four Legs and on Two
Posted: February 9, 2026
Filed under: Pet-Friendly Living, Bylaws, Community Etiquette
Shared Spaces, Shared Courtesy
Our hallways, stairwells, elevators, and lobbies are some of the most frequently used shared spaces at Red Haus. They’re where neighbours pass each other throughout the day—heading to work, coming home with groceries, walking the dog, or returning from the parkade.
Because these spaces belong to everyone, they work best when approached with mutual courtesy and a spirit of cooperation.
Red Haus is a pet-friendly community, and that is part of what many residents value about living here. At the same time, neighbours may have different comfort levels around animals. Some residents are enthusiastic dog lovers, some are cautious, and some are simply passing through on a busy day.
Living well together means meeting in the middle. Dog owners are asked to keep pets under control and be mindful of shared spaces, while non-dog residents are asked to remember that responsibly managed pets are a welcome and permitted part of community life here. No one group has a greater claim to common space than another—we all share it equally.
This refresher is about helping those daily interactions stay respectful, smooth, and neighbourly for everyone.
What the Bylaws Support
Pets on Common Property must be leashed or safely contained in a carrier, and under the care and control of a responsible person at all times.
Common Property includes:
Hallways
Stairwells
Elevators
Lobbies
Parkade areas
All residents are also expected to use shared spaces in a way that does not unreasonably interfere with others’ enjoyment of the property. The guidance below is simply what those principles look like in practice.
Bylaw References: 62.B, 3(i)
Before You Open the Door
Leash First, Then Hallway
Please leash your dog inside the suite before opening the door—not after stepping into the corridor. This helps avoid sudden encounters and keeps transitions into shared spaces calm and predictable.
Carriers for Small Pets
Cats and smaller dogs often do well when carried or transported in a carrier through busier areas such as entrances and lobbies. This can help pets feel secure while making movement through shared spaces easier for everyone.
Elevator Etiquette
Keep Leads Short
Elevators are compact shared spaces. Keeping your dog close to your side rather than at the end of a retractable leash gives everyone more room and helps avoid surprises when doors open.
Practice Patience Both Ways
Some residents may prefer extra space from a dog. Others may be comfortable sharing the elevator as normal. Courtesy can come from either side: a dog owner may choose to wait for the next car, or another resident may do the same.
Neither expectation should fall automatically on one group. A brief moment of patience and goodwill from either neighbour usually solves the situation with ease.
Give Everyone Room
Positioning yourself and your pet toward one side or corner of the elevator creates space for others to enter and exit comfortably. Likewise, fellow riders can help by entering thoughtfully and avoiding crowding where possible.
Hallways & Stairwells
Keep Moving Through Transit Spaces
Hallways and stairwells function best as pathways rather than stopping points. Keeping traffic moving helps everyone navigate comfortably, whether with pets, strollers, deliveries, or mobility aids.
Bathroom breaks, play, and longer pauses are best saved for outdoor areas.
Pass With Courtesy
When approaching another resident, shorten the lead and move to one side. If extra space is needed, allow one another to pass comfortably.
Sometimes that means a dog owner stepping aside. Other times it may mean a neighbour pausing briefly to let a resident with their dog continue through. Shared courtesy works in both directions.
Watch the Corners
Blind corners can create sudden close encounters for people and pets alike. Slowing briefly and taking wider turns can make crossings smoother for everyone.
If Your Animal has an Accident
Sometimes accidents happen. What matters most is responding promptly and responsibly.
If your pet has an accident in a common area:
Clean it as thoroughly as possible right away
Notify the Site Office so the area can be properly sanitized
Follow up if additional cleaning or repair is needed
Where carpets, upholstery, or finishes are damaged, restoration costs may be charged back to the unit owner under the bylaws.
Reporting an accident is not viewed negatively—it’s simply the responsible way to care for a shared space.
Bylaw Reference: 45(g)(i)(E)
Lobbies & Main Entrances
Entrances and lobbies are high-traffic areas shared by residents carrying groceries, using strollers, walking pets, or moving with mobility aids and deliveries.
A few small habits help these spaces run smoothly:
Keep dogs close to your side
Carry small pets when practical
Avoid stopping in doorways
Step aside when pausing to chat
Keep pathways clear during busy times
Offer one another patience during peak moments
These simple gestures make coming and going easier for everyone.
A Final Note
None of this is new—it is a reminder that shared living works best when neighbours extend grace to one another.
At Red Haus, pets are part of our community, and so is the expectation of mutual respect. Dog owners and non-dog residents alike share the same hallways, the same elevators, and the same responsibility to help those spaces feel welcoming.
Thank you for doing your part to keep Red Haus considerate, balanced, and neighbourly.
— Your Red Haus Board of Directors