The province is introducing a new bill aimed at encouraging faster payments for construction projects and improving governance in condo communities.

Bill 30 would propose changes to three pieces of legislation: the Condominium Property Act, the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act and the Public Works Act.

If the bill passes, it would create a co-ownership dispute resolution tribunal.

“A tribunal to resolve common strata disputes would provide an affordable and accessible alternative to going to court,” Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally told the legislature Monday.

“Particularly for cases that arise regularly and are not usually handled through the legal process. »

The court’s mandate and enforcement powers have not been defined, but the province says those details will be spelled out in regulations.

Nally says he learned about the need for effective dispute resolution after consulting with around 200 stakeholders.

The minister could not say when the new court will be established.

Bill 30 will also make changes to the governance of condominiums and ensure that any “returns” on units are treated as condominium fees, requiring owners to repay them promptly.

The province plans to implement the changes, if the bill is passed, in spring 2025.

With files from Chelan Skulski of CTV News Edmonton