Builders’ Lien Act & Prompt Payment
Over the past month, BILD Alberta members and staff have been heavily engaged with Minister Nate Glubish and Service Alberta staff on Prompt Payment regulations and the 28-day Prompt Pay period. Specifically, working towards a solution that provides adequate protection to trades and suppliers while avoiding increased administrative burdens on owner companies. This could be accomplished by setting a Prompt Pay period of at least 35 days or allowing contracts to specify monthly dates that invoices can be received. Throughout this process, BILD Alberta has been advocating for a balanced approach and remains hopeful that the Government of Alberta will accept our recommendations.
Renovation Tax Credit
BILD Alberta is developing a submission for a renovation tax credit that will be brought forward to the Government of Alberta in the coming months. Recent media shows that the submission will need to highlight the economic benefits the tax credit would bring. BILD Alberta will be working with renovator members to develop statistics and other information required for the submission.
Red Tape Reduction
While industry saw a significant number of positive legislative changes under Bill 48, work surrounding the next phases of Red Tape Reduction remains a priority. Some advocacy items of focus include:
- Removing unnecessary Building Code requirements
- Additional changes to the Off-Site Levies Regulation
- Removal of Off-Site Levies and Inclusionary Housing from City Charters
- Streamlining Environmental and Transportation approvals
BILD Alberta remains engaged with the Associate Ministry of Red Tape Reduction and specific Ministries to bring these recommendations to fruition.
Off-Site Levies
BILD Alberta remains engaged with Municipal Affairs regarding further modifications to the Off-Site Levies Regulation surrounding:
- Inclusion of revenues associated with utilities, property taxes and other areas where a municipality generates revenue from a developer’s infrastructure.
- Further clarity of the degree of benefit methodology for fire halls, rec centres, police stations and libraries.
- Preventing gold-plated facilities.
- Requirements for periodic external audits.
This spring, Municipal Affairs will be undertaking minor administrative amendments to the regulation and will consider BILD Alberta’s requests this fall.
Rising Condo Insurance Rates
Member companies have raised increasing concerns about the rising rates of insurance for condominiums that are limiting the viability of new and existing projects. BILD Alberta has prepared an overview of the issue and is developing an advocacy plan to begin engaging government and stakeholders.
If you would like more information on any of the above, please reach out to Saheb Dullet.