The Alberta government has launched a new dispute resolution process to better protect condominium owners.

“Albertans have told us that too many disputes are ending up in long and costly court battles,” says Manmeet S. Bhulla, Minister of Service Alberta. “Developing a more affordable and speedy way to resolve differences will help protect condominium owners and improve condominium living in Alberta.”

The change is the first of many to come to the province’s Condominium Property Act, following public consultations with more than 5,000 Albertans.

Instead of waiting for changes to the Act to be tabled in the legislature in spring, Bhullar is tasking a committee of people, led by Sherwood Park MLA Cathy Olesen, to develop the new dispute resolution model immediately. The committee will review options for dispute resolution and make recommendations on how to ensure the model is timely and affordable, and that decisions are binding.

“Dispute resolution is an essential component for a new and improved Condominium Property Act and will be a giant leap forward for condominium owners,” says Stephen Cassady, president of the Southern Alberta chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI).