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<< back to all ArticlesIntroducing Alberta’s Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal
Long term plans to introduce a condominium tribunal in Alberta are now reality. As of February 15, 2026, the long-awaited Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal Regulation (“Tribunal Regulation”) comes into force (along with amendments to the Condominium Property Act (“Act”)).
The Tribunal will begin by dipping its toe into limited issues as described below. It is expected that as the Tribunal’s experience and expertise grow so will the range of issues it can address.
While some finer details are yet to be worked out, here are the highlights that owners, boards, and condominium property managers will want to be aware of at this time.
What types of issues can the Tribunal hear?
For now, the Tribunal is limited to addressing disputes relating to:
- Monetary sanctions imposed by a condominium corporation;
- Access to records under sections 43.2 and 44 of the Condominium Property Act and under the Condominium Property Regulation; and
- Annual general meetings and special general meetings of a condominium corporation.
Any other issues relating to condominiums will still be determined by the courts who can still hear matters relating to the above issues.
If an application is already filed with the Tribunal, the same issue cannot be filed to be heard before the Court of King’s Bench. In the same vein, if the issue is already filed with the Court, it cannot also be filed to be heard before the Tribunal. If a second filing does occur, the dispute will be heard in the venue where the first filing was made.
How will the Tribunal work?
There is flexibility in how the Tribunal will function. The Minister will appoint a Chair and the other Tribunal Members. The Chair, or their delegate, can direct that matters be heard by a single Tribunal Member or a panel of Tribunal Members. Such matters can be on a one-off basis, or the Chair can assign a decision maker to address a group or class of matters (for example, monetary sanctions).
The Tribunal can resolve disputes through a choice of processes including mediation or adjudication. The Chair has the power to direct which dispute resolution process will be used. The exact procedures for starting applications, making submissions to the Tribunal, and how its proceedings will work are to be determined.
Applications to the Tribunal must be made within one year from the time the party applying knew or ought to have known about the dispute in issue. This is a variation from the standard limitation period of two years. Further, the Tribunal can only hear applications relating to disputes that occurred after February 15, 2026.
Of note, the Tribunal will have the ability to dismiss an application, if requested by one of the parties, if the Tribunal determines the application is frivolous or vexatious, lacks merit, or was made in bad faith.
Can Tribunal decisions be appealed?
The Tribunal’s decisions are binding and enforceable in the same way as a court order. Appeals from the Tribunal will be limited to questions of law. This means that to the extent a Tribunal’s decision involves deciding the facts or “what happened”, this cannot be appealed. If the Tribunal’s decision involves deciding what the law means, for example, the meaning of the Act, this is a question of law and is appealable.
It is also possible to bring a judicial review of a Tribunal decision; such review must be brought in accordance with the Alberta Rules of Court within 30 days of receipt of the Tribunal’s decision. Judicial review can address issues such as failures of procedural fairness.
What will it cost to apply to the Tribunal?
The Tribunal will be funded through two sources.
First, parties to a dispute are responsible for the following costs:
- $150 to file an application, paid by the applicant;
- $350 if an application proceeds to adjudication, paid by the applicant;
- Mediation expenses, to be split between the parties evenly:
- For the first four hours of mediation – no expense; and
- For each further four hours of mediation – $150, to a maximum of $300 per day.
Second, Alberta condominium corporations will be required to pay a $9.00 service fee per condominium unit registered at Land Titles. The service fee must be paid prior to December 31 each year, beginning in 2026.
The service fee does not apply to condominium corporations when the title to all units is registered to the same owner or group of owners.
Last words
There are sure to be some bumps and growing pains along the way, but this Tribunal offers an opportunity for individuals and corporations to seek assistance in resolving disputes without the need to navigate the courts. It will remain to be seen whether the Tribunal also offers a timelier resolution to issues than the courts where competing priorities mean access to justice can require patience.
If you have questions about the Tribunal process or how it may apply to a specific dispute, please contact a member of our team for assistance.
This post is meant to provide information only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Although every effort has been made to provide current and accurate information, changes to the law may cause the information in this post to be outdated.
