INFORMATION & UPDATES

Automatic Yes Toolkit

The Government of Alberta introduced the Automatic Yes Toolkit to accelerate permit approvals by reducing red tape and streamlining decision-making processes. This initiative introduces mandatory time limits for government decisions and replaces certain routine approvals with clear operating requirements, ensuring faster project timelines while maintaining health, safety, and environmental protections. BILD Alberta is engaging with the Government of Alberta to understand how these changes will enhance approval timelines for residential construction, helping to reduce delays and improve housing supply across the province.

Alberta Land Titles Delays

The Alberta Land Titles Office is currently experiencing delays, with a 7-week backlog for registrations due to high volumes. While Service Alberta is hiring additional staff, delays are expected to persist in the short term. BILD Alberta has raised concerns with the Minister, urging faster implementation of modernization efforts funded by the land titles levy.

Stop Housing Delays Portal

In November 2024, the Government of Alberta announced the launch of the Stop Housing Delays Portal, a key initiative aimed at reducing unnecessary delays in housing development across the province. This platform is designed to gather specific insights from industry professionals like you regarding the delays, challenges, and costs impacting housing projects. To learn more about the portal and how to report, check out our latest bulletin. Additional details on how to participate can be found on the Government of Alberta’s page.

https://www.alberta.ca/stop-housing-delays

Construction Codes Working Group

BILD Alberta is proud to join the new Construction Codes Working Group, a collaborative initiative to address housing affordability through improvements to Alberta's construction codes. This group, which includes representation from industry, City of Edmonton, City of Calgary and Safety Codes Council, will explore how construction code changes can streamline the development process while maintaining safety and quality standards. BILD Alberta will provide key insights on various topics raised by industry, ensuring innovative, practical changes that prioritize safety, efficiency and accessibility while addressing the pressing housing needs of Albertans. Read the press release below:

https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=91445B5D7B5B5-D7F8-5345-9C108419C1DCBFDD

Supporting Rebuild Efforts in Jasper

BILD Alberta, alongside engaged members, met with the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to tackle challenges and explore solutions for the Jasper rebuild. As the Municipality updates its zoning bylaw and municipal development plan—pending federal legislative approval—BILD Alberta is coordinating efforts among stakeholders and developing resources like a consumer education guide and a list of committed builders.

Interested in joining the conversation? Contact us at info@bildalberta.ca.

Upcoming Changes to the Condominium Property Act

The Government of Alberta has proposed updates to the Condominium Property Act to:

Establish a Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal for easier, cost-effective dispute resolution.
Treat chargebacks authorized by bylaws as contributions, ensuring accountability and enforcement for non-payment.
Improve governance (e.g., voting procedures) and enhance consumer protections (e.g., technical analysis for new condominiums).

Additional changes are expected as regulations are developed. BILD Alberta will actively provide feedback to help strike the right balance between consumer protection and red tape reduction.

Environmental Approvals

Alberta’s government is making water permit approvals faster and more efficient by cutting red tape, streamlining processes, and introducing digital applications. Since 2021, Water Act licence wait times have dropped by 57%, with approvals issued an average of 253 days sooner. New mandatory service targets ensure decisions are made within set timeframes, reducing unnecessary delays while maintaining strong environmental standards. Additional improvements, including faster reviews for complex applications, are underway as the government continues to modernize Alberta’s regulatory system.