Figuring out address for housing co-op (sending letter for a friend)

[retroman_studios]

So here is my situation. There is an older gentleman that I used to visit now and then, and I wanted to send him a letter explaining my absence (not that he needs explanation, but you know, manners)

I don't have his phone number, all I know is his unit #. I looked at Surrey's COSMOS map, and it doesn't show the street number for each unit. It only shows where the numbers start and end. Each "duplex" in the housing complex shares one house number, so for example 12186 can be unit 1 or 2. 

If I address a letter using the full range of street numbers (ex; 12186 - 12245) with the unit number and his name, do you think Canada Post would be able to deliver it?

Just looking for experiences if any of you have ever put a quote unquote "generic" address and it actually made it.

THanks

[ypdc_dennis]

Does google maps have a street view of the complex?

[retroman_studios]

It does, but shows the same range of start end from the sign on the street, his unit is way in the back about a block in, and Google maps does not show inside the complex as it's likely considered private property.

[femmefan1946]

Coop members tend to know each other, more than most townhouse tenants do.

So addressing to the block with his name could work if it is "mis-delivered".

Also there is a fair (but not great) chance that the carrier will recognize the name and tuck your letter into his daily copy of the New Yorker*.

If I have a purchase going to what seems to be a commercial address, since some of my customers have their purchases delivered to their work instead of their homes, I will put the words "PERSONAL DOCUMENTS" on the envelope.

People might open something marked with a name and a company name, but that seems to hold even the most active letter opener back.

*If you want an infinite supply of reading material that arrives constantly, subscribe to the New Yorker.

The whole "hoarding toilet paper" fiasco could have been avoided if more people subscribed to the New Yorker.