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NDP Bans Adults Only Building

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NDP Bans Adults Only Building.

NDP Bill to amend Human Rights Act to ban adults-only buildings. Condominium owners who gave feedback about the legislation wanted to maintain age restrictions, however were disregarded.

Another example of this government’s disregard for older Albertans.

The NDP introduced a bill putting an end to adults-only apartment buildings as of Jan. 1, 2018 But an exception gives condo owners a 15-year grace period to implement the new rules.

This followed a ruling in March 2016, when Ruth Maria Adria successfully challenged Alberta’s Human Rights Act on the basis that seniors were discriminated against when renting or selling.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley told a news conference after introducingthe Alberta Human Rights Amendment Act, 2017. “We recognize that many Albertans have made significant investments on the basis of condo bylaws that were in place at the time of purchase.”

The legislation includes exemptions, including seniors-only housing. This means buildings can cater exclusively to those over 55. (Seniors communities can choose any age older than 55 as the minimum cut-off, however.)

Hugh Willis, spokesman for the Canadian Condominium Institute in northern Alberta, said a 15-year transition is a “common-sense compromise” for owners who will have to decide whether to switch to a seniors-only building or open up to families with children.

The phase-in period will allow people in their 40s to move into that senior age bracket, he said. “From our perspective, we would like as lengthy a time as possible.”
Overwhelmingly, condominium owners who gave feedback about the legislation wanted to maintain age restrictions, he added.

Other exemptions in the bill include “ameliorative” programs — for example, a building set aside to help members of a vulnerable population. Ganley said activities providing benefits to minors and seniors are also exempt, such as reduced bus fares and movie ticket deals.
Adapted Postmedia /11/17