Extending the Limitation Period: When Does an Action Warrant Proceeding?

Real estate developments can be an exciting business opportunity and new homes are much sought-after by purchasers, but when things go wrong with the build, issues can drag on for years. Maintaining an accurate record of who is responsible for what is key to resolving potential disputes, as one condo board found in the recent […] Read More

The Hidden Costs of De-Condominiumizing

In a previous blog post, we discussed how a property’s condominium status can be terminated. We expect “de-condominiumizing” or terminating/dissolving condominium corporations to become a more common and attractive option for owners as buildings age and maintenance/repair costs increase. Real estate investors might also consider de-condominiumizing investment properties and conversion to rental apartment buildings. However, […] Read More

Addressing Complaints and Mental Health Issues in Condominiums: Strategies for Board Members

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue or illness during their lifetime.  Roughly 2 million Canadians now live in condominiums, so most of these communities will inevitably face a situation involving a resident who is experiencing such issues. Condominium boards must therefore be prepared to […] Read More

What Happens if a Condominium Does not Enforce its Bylaws?

Short Answer: The Bylaws may become unenforceable. Condominiums have a duty under the Condominium Property Act, RSA 2000 c C-22 to enforce their Bylaws and ensure compliance by all unit owners and occupants. But they must also ensure that such enforcement is done on a consistent basis and in a timely fashion, which means taking […] Read More

Delayed: Alberta Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal

Field Law has just learned that the long-awaited creation of an Alberta Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal will not proceed this year as anticipated following the enactment of amendments to the Condominium Property Act and Regulations in January 2020. The Minister of Service Alberta recently delivered this new to industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Condominium Institute […] Read More
April 6, 2022

Legal Costs for Condominium Corporations: A Refresher

The law relating to legal expenses in litigation involving Alberta condominium corporations is evolving, but remains far from settled. In several recent decisions of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench (Toronto-Dominion Bank v Bachand, 2021 ABQB 271, Tutt v The Owners: Condominium Plan No. 7822572, 2020 ABQB 213), the Court concluded that legal fees incurred by a […] Read More
July 22, 2021

Asserting Privilege in the Condominium Context

The issue of asserting solicitor-client privilege in the condominium context is an interesting one, especially as between the condominium corporation and the individual unit owners. There are no simple answers or bright line rules when it comes to requests by unit owners for access to documents belonging to the corporation, other than what is expressly […] Read More
October 9, 2020