We recently attended a panel forum seminar put on by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. The panelists included experts from the Alberta government, fire department, police, safe housing and communities, insurance and several others.
We wanted to summarize the impacts on the real estate market in the greater Edmonton area for our many real estate clients including home owners, home buyers and real estate investors/landlords.
Levels of government and what they mandate:
- Federal - growing, seed, law enforcement etc
- Provincial - sale/distribution. Legal age for consumptions (set at 18 in Alberta to mirror alcohol and tobacco)
- AGLC to oversee and manage online system
- Municipal - zoning and enforcement
User Facts:
- 55% of Albertan’s have used recreationally once in lifetime
- 1/5 have used in past year
- 1/5 use on regular basis
- Age in Alberta will be 18 years old
- Same rules as alcohol and tobacco, including can’t use in vehicles
- Possession limit - 30 grams for adults in public, can have more at home. Zero tolerance for youth possession under 18
- Limit of 4 plants per household (not per person) in Alberta, consistent with Federal laws. Exterior plants not allowed, due to security for kids accessing them. Cannot sell, only for personal use (similar to alcohol)
- Landlord and tenant agreements / condo bylaws can set rules for growing. Medical use may supersede these rules however.
- No co-location with alcohol or tobacco (impact on retail landlords)
Zoning:
- Use falls under commercial/industrial, no use allowed for grow facilities in ANY residential zoning
- Biggest risk to residential properties is water / mold issues
- Draft zoning for retail, commercial and industrial
- Must be 100 meters parks and recreation centres
- 200 meters from schools and libraries
- Hours of operation limits
- Permit applications for locations do need have a location “solidified” but need only be an LOI or other, could have conditions.
As always, speak to your REALTOR® about your specific property or situation for best advice.
Additional resources: