How do condo mailboxes work?
 

I never quite figured it out with Canada post parcels. We have individual small mail box for letters and one community parcel box. Every unit have their own key to their designated mail box.

When a parcel from Canada post comes, it gets put into the parcel box and the mailman will put the key to parcel into designated unit number's mail box.

Here is where I have uncertainty.
- What do people do with the key? Do they put it back into the parcel box unlocked (and pray nobody will take or duplicate the parcel key?)
- what if unit #20 and unit #47 both gets a parcel Rom Canada post. Who will get the key?

Since the strata is new, nobody seems to know. And the strata manager doesn't know too

You put the key back in the slot for outgoing mail, and the postie gets it when they pick up the mail. As far as duplicating the key, no legitimate key cutter is supposed to copy a mail key.

If two people get parcels, assuming they both fit in the box one will get a key, and the other will get an attempted delivery slip like they leave on your door and they'll be able to pick it up themselves.

Actaully, after speaking with Canadapost, you are allowed to copy your mail key. The communal box key probably has a "Do not copy" stamp on it though.

Really? That sounds a bit weird. I'll take a look at the communal key the next time I get a package but I don't think it says anything on it.

qwhyu9p0

Even if it doesn't explicitly say "Do Not Copy", it may have a code stamping on it which means the same thing. I used to have to sign off on cutting new keys for our office, and they only ever had a single letter stamped on them. Couldn't cut a new one at a locksmith without a management signature and contact details.

-Dave

Leave the key in your own mailbox. Your postal worker will remove the key and reuse the box when its empty. Do not leave it in the parcel box with it opened, chances are it will be stolen.

And yes you can copy the key. The key belongs to your building and Canada post doesn't give a shit if its stolen or someone copied it. They will do nothing unless you pay for it to be rekeyed.

As for who gets the compartment when theres multiple parcels, its up to the postal worker to decide.

Leave the postie a $10 a starbucks card and i'm sure he will work something out next time when you get a parcel.

I used to work at Wal-mart and was told that as long as we don't see the
Do not copy" word we can copy it. So that's what we told customers and they just use some tape cover the word and we have to copy their keys.

"Wal-mart" and "legitimate" should not be used in the same sentence. :p

That's so wrong.


As for the communal mail box key. I bet the key blank is controlled and is only available to people how are authorized to cut the key.