1. What services are available?
 
All lots are serviced to the property line with municipal-standard water and wastewater, as well as natural gas, fiber-optic internet, and power.
 
Water
The domestic water supply is sourced from a fresh mountain spring that has supplied the ranch for over 100 years. Water is treated through filtration, UV treatment, and chlorination, and is operated 24/7 by a certified operator in compliance with environmental regulations. Water costs are included in the condominium fees.
 
Wastewater
Wastewater is managed through a municipal-standard gravity collection system with a lift station and on-site treatment plant. The system is regulated by Alberta Environment, with costs included in the condominium fees.
 
Power
Each lot includes a 200-amp electrical service provided by Fortis Alberta. Owners set up individual electricity accounts. Higher amp service upgrades may be available through Fortis.
 
Natural Gas
Natural gas is provided by ATCO Gas to the property line and is individually metered and billed.
 
Internet
Fiber-optic internet is available through Rogers/Shaw, with individual connections arranged by owners.
 
Solid Waste
Garbage and recycling are managed through shared, bear-proof community bins. Waste collection and disposal are included in the condominium fees.
 
 
2. How is the development zoned?
 
The project is subdivided as a bare-land condominium within the Municipal District of Bighorn, comprising 22 individually owned lots. Roads, green spaces, utilities, and shared facilities are jointly owned by all lot owners through the condominium corporation and managed by PEKA Property Management.
 
 
3. What does the zoning allow me to build?
 
Zoning permits the construction of one single-detached dwelling per lot. Owners may also apply for a discretionary permit to build accessory buildings.
 
Homes fall under the Resort Accommodation use designation, allowing for recreational ownership with the ability to rent for short-term stays. Owners may also occupy their homes year-round without restriction.
 
 
4. What is a Bare-Land Condominium?
 
A bare-land condominium means each owner holds title to their individual plot of land, including any structures built on it. Unlike conventional condominiums, ownership includes the land itself.
 
The condominium corporation manages shared infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and landscaping, similar to a small, self-managed community.
 
 
5. What about groundwater and flooding?
 
Flooding
Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch lies along the Bow River but is outside the floodplain and not at risk of flooding. During the 2013 flood event, the ranch remained completely dry.
 
Groundwater
The community’s mountain spring feeds the water system. A second intermittent spring occasionally flows through a natural rock-lined creek bed toward the Bow River. Hydrological testing found no groundwater present across the site. Occasional seasonal subsurface moisture is normal in the Bow Valley. Most homes use half-basement or walkout designs due to terrain and the 13-metre height limit.
 
 
6. What is included in the condominium fee?
 
The condominium fee covers shared operational and maintenance costs, including:
 

• Water and wastewater operations

• Garbage and waste management

• Insurance for common property

• Property management by PEKA

• Gated access

• Snow removal and landscaping

• Common utilities and maintenance

• Reserve fund contributions

• Fire protection

 
 
7. What can I build?
 
Homes must comply with the community’s Architectural Controls to ensure consistent quality and design. Owners may propose design variations for developer consideration, provided they align with the overall community vision.
 
 
8. What are the house size requirements?
 

• Single-storey homes: minimum 1,800 sq. ft.

• Two-storey homes: minimum 2,400 sq. ft.

• Three-storey homes: minimum 3,000 sq. ft.

 
Minimum sizes may be relaxed at the developer’s discretion.
 
 
9. Is there lake or river access?
 
A provincial boat launch is located across the road. In addition, a community hand-launch area allows non-motorized watercraft access and serves as a fire-water intake. Hand-launch use only.
 
 
10. What is the development’s design philosophy?
 
Architectural Controls incorporate FireSmart principles for safety, including fire-resistant landscaping, materials, and setbacks. The Design Philosophy is outlined in detail within the Architectural Controls.
 
 
11. What fire-protection systems are in place?
 
Dedicated firefighting infrastructure includes a Bow River intake, pumping system, and hydrants meeting national standards (75 L/s or 1,180 GPM).
 
 
12. Do you have preferred or approved builders?
 
There is no required builder list. The developer assists owners by helping match them with suitable builders if requested, but owners are free to choose their own.
 
 
13. Can I bring my own builder?
 
Yes. Buyers may bring their own builder but are encouraged to review plans with the developer to ensure alignment with Architectural Controls and local building conditions.
 
 
14. Are there future phases planned?
 
No future phases are currently planned. Surrounding lands are zoned Rural Recreation and Agriculture, with no new development proposals submitted.
 
 
15. Who manages the community?
 
The Bare-Land Condominium Corporation is managed by PEKA Property Management, overseeing maintenance, finances, and owner coordination.
 
 
16. What is the building commitment?
 
Owners must begin construction within two years of purchase and complete construction within 24 months of commencement. The MD of Bighorn building permit is valid for one year and may be extended if required.
 
 
17. What is the repurchase agreement?
 
If construction has not begun within two years of the closing date of a lot purchase, the developer can give notice within six months following that two year start period that they intend to repurchase the lot. The terms are set at the original purchase price and this agreement is registered on title to encourage timely building and maintain community quality.
 
 
18. What are the property taxes?
 
Homes at Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch are assessed as non-residential due to their Resort Accommodation designation. This allows short-term rentals but carries a higher tax rate — approximately 1.9× Calgary’s residential tax rate.
 
 
19. Can I build a second garage or suite?
 
Zoning allows one single-detached dwelling per lot. Owners may apply for an accessory building such as a garage or workshop, but only one habitable building is permitted per lot. Living space within accessory buildings is not allowed.
 
 
20. What amenities and activities are available in the area?
 
Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch offers access to exceptional recreation and amenities across Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, and Calgary.
 
Local to Kananaskis Ranch

• Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course

• Bow River fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding

• Trails for hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing, and snowshoeing

 
Canmore (20 minutes)
Dining, shopping, breweries, galleries, Elevation Place, Quarry Lake, and Grassi Lakes
 
Banff (30 minutes)
Banff National Park, hot springs, gondola, and Banff Avenue
 
Calgary (1 hour)
Calgary International Airport, dining, shopping, arts, events, and the Calgary Stampede
 
Resorts
 

• Nakiska Ski Hill (20 minutes)

• Sunshine Village (40 minutes)

• Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 hour)

 
 
21. How far is Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch from nearby destinations?
 

• Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course – 2 minutes

• Nakiska Ski Hill – 20 minutes

• Kananaskis Country Golf Course – 20 minutes

• Canmore – 20 minutes

• Banff – 30 minutes

• Sunshine Village – 40 minutes

• Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 hour

• Calgary International Airport – 1 hour

 
 
22. Are basements permitted?
 
Basements are generally prohibited due to varying groundwater levels. Some lots may allow shallow basements, crawl spaces, or walkout designs depending on site-specific hydrology, which must be confirmed through testing during site preparation.

23. Can non-residents of Canada purchase property in the community?

Yes. Non-Canadians are able to purchase in Brewster Ranch Estates, as the residential properties are located outside of both a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and a Census Agglomeration, making them exempt from current foreign buyer restrictions.