Alberta to slowly eliminate adults-only buildings

Changes to Alberta’s human rights legislation will put an end to adults-only apartment buildings in the province, but gives property owners 15 years to implement new rules.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley introduced the Alberta Human Rights Amendment Act on Wednesday during the legislature’s fall sitting.

The new rules apply to everyone over the age of 18 and include an exception to allow for seniors-only housing.

This means buildings can cater exclusively to people over 55. (Seniors’ communities can choose any age older than 55 as the minimum cut-off, however).

“The Government of Alberta recognizes that older Albertans may choose to live together in a community of people at a similar stage in life,” said a Wednesday news release.

Bill 23 stems from a court order on last Jan. 6 that gave the government one year to add age as a prohibited reason for discrimination into specific sections of the human rights code.

The amendments relate to two sections on tenancy as well as goods, services, accommodation and facilities.

Certain programs classified as “ameliorative” would also be acceptable under the new rules — for example, a recognized building set aside for youth in addictions treatment.

The grandfathering period for age-restricted condominiums will give owners 15 years to turn their property into a seniors’ building or rent out to families with children.

But other renters may notice changes much sooner.

If passed, legislation would come into effect Jan. 1. As of that date, landlords cannot discriminate based on age, so in buildings that previously had age restrictions, landlords would have to accept applications from any potential tenants over 18.

The other option available to landlords would be to transition to a seniors building for people over 55.

Under the human rights legislation, interested renters who felt their rights were violated could pursue a court challenge.