FAQ
Property & Community
What services are available?
All lots are serviced to the property line with municipal-standard water and wastewater, natural gas, fibre-optic internet, and power.
Water
The domestic water supply comes from a fresh mountain spring that has served the ranch for more than 100 years. Water is filtered, UV treated, chlorinated, and monitored 24/7 by a certified operator. Water costs are included in the condominium fees.
Wastewater
Wastewater is managed through a municipal-standard gravity collection system with an on-site treatment plant regulated by Alberta Environment. Costs are included in the condominium fees.
Power
Each lot includes 200-amp electrical service provided by Fortis Alberta. Owners establish their own electricity accounts.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is provided to each lot by ATCO Gas and individually metered.
Internet
High-speed fibre-optic internet is available through Rogers/Shaw.
Garbage & Recycling
Shared bear-proof garbage and recycling facilities are provided, with collection included in condominium fees.
How is the development zoned?
Brewster Ranch Estates is a 22-lot bare-land condominium within the Municipal District of Bighorn. Roads, utilities, green spaces, and shared amenities are jointly owned and professionally managed through the condominium corporation.
What does the zoning allow me to build?
Each lot allows one single-detached home. Owners may also apply for discretionary approval to construct accessory buildings.
Homes are designated as Resort Accommodation, allowing recreational ownership, short-term rentals, and year-round occupancy.
What is a Bare-Land Condominium?
Owners receive title to both their individual lot and any structures built upon it. Shared roads, utilities, landscaping, and community infrastructure are maintained through the condominium corporation.
Building Your Home
What can I build?
Homes must comply with the community’s Architectural Controls to maintain the quality and character of Brewster Ranch Estates. Design variations may be considered by the developer where appropriate.
What are the minimum home size requirements?
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Single-storey: 1,800 sq. ft.
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Two-storey: 2,400 sq. ft.
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Three-storey: 3,000 sq. ft.
Minimum sizes may be adjusted at the developer’s discretion.
Do you have preferred or approved builders?
There is no mandatory builder list. The developer can recommend experienced builders upon request, but buyers are welcome to select their own.
Can I bring my own builder?
Yes. Buyers may work with their own builder, provided plans comply with the Architectural Controls and local building requirements.
Are basements permitted?
Due to varying groundwater conditions, traditional basements are generally discouraged. Depending on lot-specific conditions, crawl spaces, walkout basements, or shallow basements may be possible following geotechnical review.
Can I build a second garage or guest suite?
Owners may apply to build accessory structures such as detached garages or workshops. Only one habitable dwelling is permitted per lot.
What is included in the condominium fee?
Condominium fees contribute to the operation and maintenance of shared community infrastructure, including:
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Water & wastewater operations
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Garbage & recycling
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Snow removal
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Landscaping of common areas
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Gated access
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Property management
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Common area insurance
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Reserve fund contributions
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Fire protection systems
Who manages the community?
The Bare-Land Condominium Corporation is professionally managed by PEKA Property Management, overseeing maintenance, finances, and community operations.
What is the building commitment?
Construction must begin within two years of purchase and be completed within 24 months of commencement. Building permits issued by the Municipal District of Bighorn are valid for one year and may be extended if necessary.
What is the repurchase agreement?
If construction has not begun within two years of closing, the developer may exercise the right to repurchase the lot at the original purchase price within the following six months. This helps maintain community quality and timely development.
What are the property taxes?
Properties are assessed as non-residential due to their Resort Accommodation designation. This allows short-term rentals but results in a higher tax rate than standard residential properties.
Can non-residents of Canada purchase property?
Yes. Brewster Ranch Estates is located outside both a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Census Agglomeration (CA), making it exempt from the current federal foreign buyer restrictions.
Ownership & Community Living
Land, Environment & Safety
What about groundwater and flooding?
Flooding
Although located near the Bow River, Brewster Ranch Estates is outside the floodplain and remained dry during Alberta’s 2013 flood event.
Groundwater
The community is supplied by a mountain spring. Hydrological studies found no groundwater across the development site. Seasonal moisture is typical within the Bow Valley, and most homes are designed with walkout or crawl-space foundations.
What is the community’s design philosophy?
Architectural Controls incorporate FireSmart principles to enhance safety while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Design guidelines encourage timeless mountain architecture that complements the surrounding environment.
What fire protection systems are in place?
Dedicated fire infrastructure includes a Bow River intake, pumping system, and hydrants capable of delivering firefighting flows that meet national standards.
Is there lake or river access?
Yes. A provincial boat launch is located directly across the road, while residents also enjoy access to a community hand-launch area for non-motorized watercraft.
What amenities and activities are nearby?
Residents enjoy year-round access to some of Alberta’s most iconic outdoor destinations.
At Brewster Ranch Estates
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Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course
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Bow River fishing
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Kayaking & paddleboarding
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Hiking & biking trails
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Cross-country skiing
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Rock climbing
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Snowshoeing
Canmore (20 minutes)
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Dining
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Shopping
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Breweries
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Galleries
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Elevation Place
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Quarry Lake
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Grassi Lakes
Banff (30 minutes)
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Banff National Park
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Banff Gondola
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Upper Hot Springs
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Banff Avenue
Nearby Ski Resorts
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Nakiska – 20 minutes
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Sunshine Village – 40 minutes
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Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 hour
Calgary (1 hour)
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Calgary International Airport
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Restaurants
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Shopping
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Entertainment
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Calgary Stampede
Recreation & Lifestyle
Future Development
Are future phases planned?
No. There are currently no future phases planned. The surrounding lands remain designated Rural Recreation and Agriculture, with no active development proposals.