When the novel coronavirus arrived in Alberta, residents and managers of tightly packed multi-family housing developments quickly realized special precautions were necessary to keep people safe and healthy.

The Calgary real estate community mourned the loss of Calgary MLA Manmeet Bhullar Tuesday.

"The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) is very saddened by the sudden passing of MLA Manmeet Bhullar," the member organization said in a posting on its website. "Mr. Bhullar was a great friend to Alberta REALTORS® and a strong advocate for the average Albertan. During his time as Minister of Service Alberta, he took an important leadership role in initiating reforms to the Condominium Property Amendment Act for the betterment of the organized real estate industry and the home-buying public.

"Mr. Bhullar will remembered for his humour, passion, intellect and, above all, his dedication to public service. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of meeting and working with him. CREB® extends its condolences to Mr. Bhullar's family, friends and colleagues."

New bill could mean added security for Alberta condo buyers and owners

Alberta condo owners could soon have more protection thanks to a new bill being proposed by the province.

The bill, which includes more than 50 amendments to the decades-old Condo Act, would strengthen rules related to occupancy dates, purchase agreements, warranty information and conflict resolution.

The new rules would regulate more than 8,000 condominium corporations that exist in Alberta, and provide protection for an increasingly large portion of the province's homebuyers.

Bill 13 to enhance protection for owners, improve condo communities

Alberta condo owners can expect easier access to information and quicker dispute resolutions thanks to new amendments to the province's condo property act.

Improved disclosure and governance were among the amendments tabled after the Alberta Government introduced Bill 13: The Condominium Property Act.

As part of a greater review of the province's Condominium Property Act, the Redford government is making it mandatory for developers to be more transparent about condo fees.

With some condo buyers expressing concern about higher fees than were initially disclosed, the move will provide buyers with a standardized disclosure package, including an operating budget, at the time of purchase.

In a decision that could affect Alberta homeowners, Service Alberta Minister Manmeet Bhullar provided an update on the province's ongoing condo consultation.

Following a "very successful and engaging" consultation process that gathered more than 5,000 responses, Bhullar said much of the new legislation will come next spring, although progress could be made sooner on the issue of mandatory building assessment reports.