Alberta Home Builders ApplaudsProgress on Condominium Legislation

EDMONTON, AB — The Canadian Home Builders' Association - Alberta (CHBA - Alberta) is pleased the Alberta government is moving ahead with Bill 9 to modernize legislation governing the growing condominium property sector.
"Home builders have seen a dramatic shift towards multi-family homes as an affordable option for young families and a lifestyle friendly choice for all ages. Fostering a vibrant and affordable condominium market is important to the quality of life of Albertans and the province's ability to attract newcomers," said Tally Hutchinson, President, CHBA - Alberta.
Construction of multi-family homes across Alberta will exceed single family homes this year. Calgary region's multi-family builders are on track to break the previous record of 10,602 starts set in 1978. Edmonton experienced a similar year in 2013 with demand soaring for units ranging from townhomes to apartment suites.
"Our Association appreciated the opportunity to provide constructive input throughout the lengthy consultation process leading up to introduction of Bill 9. Our goals were to ensure clarity in the legislation and allow responsible developers and builders to continue to serve this important market segment," said Jim Rivait, CEO, CHBA - Alberta.
"Now that the Condominium Property Amendment Act has been introduced in the Legislature we will begin a detailed review and we look forward to working with Service Alberta Minister Stephen Khan to ensure the legislation meets the need of home buyers."
CHBA - Alberta views Bill 9 as an important element of an array of legislation protecting home buyers. It dovetails with the New Home Buyer Protection Act that became law early in 2014 and provides 10-year warranty protection to Alberta buyers of either single or multi-family homes. Residential construction is also controlled by comprehensive building codes that are continuously upgraded through an open and robust process.