Let's Talk Condos: A Message From The Minister


Condominium Property Act Review
The Government of Alberta’s consultation on potential changes to the Condominium Property Act closed May 2. We thank the more than 5,000 Albertans who responded to Service Alberta’s online survey and participated in town hall meetings in their communities. Your views will help guide us as we make improvements to Alberta’s condominium legislation.

We are now compiling and analyzing the responses as part of our review of the Condominium Property Act.

The Government of Alberta is taking steps to strengthen condominium legislation to address the current needs of condominium corporations, unit owners, and developers; and raise standards in Alberta's condominium industry.

After receiving advice from a panel of Albertans on proposed topics for the condominium consultation, I have asked every day Albertans to provide their input and ideas to ensure we are addressing the right issues.

I want your views on any and all topics that are important to you. I encourage you to participate in our consultation and have your say on the future of condominium legislation in Alberta. While this survey addressed many of the concerns you may have, it is by no means exhaustive. I welcome your feedback on issues not reflected in this paper and encourage your suggestions. All ideas will be considered.

The province has extended its condominium consultation end date an additional month, from April 2 to May 2 to give you more time to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Manmeet S. Bhullar
Minister of Service Alberta

Consultation Overview

The consultation paper covers a range of condominium issues and outlines legislative proposals and options aimed at resolving these issues. The list is by no means exhaustive and the consultation is not limited to these issues. These are simply areas where suggestions have been made.

All ideas for amending the Condominium Property Act (CPA) will be considered, whether they are included in the document or not. Your opinions will help us measure support for possible changes; inform of us other areas that should be considered, and assist the ministry in developing recommendations for legislative changes.

The following topics are included in the paper:

  • Consumer protection for buyers;
  • Insurance requirements for the corporation and unit owners;
  • Repairs to unit property following damages;
  • Access to corporation records;
  • Dispute resolution;
  • Board governance; and
  • Knowledge, competencies and standards of practice for condominium managers.

If your concerns do not fall under these categories, we invite you to share them in Section 9 where you can make further suggestions.

Background

Since the Act was last amended in 2000, the condominium industry has steadily grown and evolved, as more and more home-buyers choose to live and invest in condominiums. Growth in the number, variety and complexity of condominium developments, in conjunction with new industry trends and issues prompted Service Alberta to open the Condominium Property Act (the Act) and Regulation for review.

A committee of condominium owners, developers, lawyers, condominium managers, real estate representatives and other stakeholders was struck to assist the ministry with the review.

The committee concluded that the Act is generally working well; however, members identified a number of issues for examination, in addition to identifying parts of the Act that should be made clearer and easier to understand.  Letters, phone calls and emails from stakeholders indicate a need to strike a better balance between the rights and responsibilities of developers, boards and unit owners and to consider new rules aimed at improving the day-to-day operation of condominium corporations.

Condominium construction and warranty

Municipal Affairs' New HomeBuyer Protection Act increases the maximum fines for violations of the Safety Codes Act, extends the limitation period for prosecution of offences under the Act, and makes home warranties mandatory for new homes to improve construction quality and strengthen consumer protection.

Quick Facts

  • There are nearly 8,000 condominium corporations in Alberta, representing hundreds of thousands of residents.
  • Nearly 20 per cent of homes sold in the province through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the last year were condominiums.
  • Nearly one in every three homes sold in Edmonton and Calgary through MLS in the last year were condominiums.

Links:

Please note: If you are unable to access the consultation paper online, a paper copy can be mailed to you by phoning 1-877-427-4088 toll-free in Alberta.