
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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Water: The source of domestic water is a fresh mountain spring that has supplied the ranch for over 100 years. It is treated through filtration, UV treatment, and chlorination, operated 24/7 by a certified operator and environmentally regulated. The cost is included in the condominium fees.
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Waste Water: Managed through a municipal-standard gravity collection system with a lift station and on-site treatment plant, which is Alberta environment regulated. Costs are included in the condominium fees.
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Power: Each lot has a 200-amp service by Fortis Alberta. Owners set up individual electricity accounts. Upgrading higher AMP services can be done through Fortis.
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Natural Gas: Provided by ATCO Gas to the property line, metered and billed individually.
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Internet: Fiber-optic network provided by Rogers/Shaw, individually connected by owners.
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Solid Waste: Managed through shared, bear-proof community bins. Waste collection and disposal are included in the condominium fees.
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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 facilties are jointly owned by all lot owners through the condominium corporation, managed by PEKA Property Management.
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3. What does the zoning allow me to build?
Zoning permits and construction of single detached dwellings on each lot. Owners may also apply for a discretionary permit to build accessory buildings.
The dwellings fall under the Resort Accommodation use definition, intended for recreational ownership with the ability to rent for short-term stays. Owners may also occupy their homes year-round without restriction.
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4.What is a Bare-Land Condominium?
A Bare-Land Condominium means each owner holds title to their own plot of land: including any structures built upon it. Unlike conventional condominiums, bare-land owners hold title to the land itself.
The Condominium Corporation manages shared areas such as roads, utilities, and landscaping - much like a small self-managed community.
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5. What about groundwater and flooding?
Flooding: Brewsters Kananaskis Ranch lies along the Bow River but is outside the floodplain and not at risk of flooding. During the 2013 fold the ranch remained completely dry.
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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. Neither affects groundwater conditions.
Hydrological testing found no groundwater in test pits across the site. Occassional seasonal subsurface moisture is normal in the Bow Valley. Most homes use half-basement or walkout designs due to the 13-meter height limit and terrain.
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6. What is included in the condominium fee?
The condominium fee covers shared operational and maintenance costs, including:
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Water and Wastewater Operations
Garbage
Insurance for Common Property
Property Management by PEKA
Gated Access
Snow Removal and Landscaping
Common Utilities and Maintenance
Reserve Fund Contribution
Fire Protection
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7. What can I build?
Homes must comply with the community’s Architectural Controls, ensuring consistent quality and style. Owners may propose variations for developer consideration if aligned with the community vision.
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8. What are the house size requirements?
Single Storey: 1,800 sq. ft.
Two Storey: 2,400 sq. ft.
Three Storey: 3,000 sq. ft.
These minimums may be relaxed at the developer’s discretion.
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9. Is there lake or river access?
A provincial boat launch is across the road, and a community hand-launch area allows non-motorized watercraft. This also serves as the fire-water intake, limited to hand-launching only.
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10. What is the development’s design philosophy?
Architectural Controls integrate FireSmart principles for safety, with FireSmart-compliant landscaping, exterior materials, and setbacks. Design Philosophy is also stated in the Architectural Controls.
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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).
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12. Do you have preferred or approved builders?
There is no builder list. The developers help match each owner with suitable builders for their project and lot by way of assistance only.
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13. Can I bring my own builder?
Yes. Buyers may bring their own builder, but are encouraged to discuss plans with the developer to fully understand Architectural Controls and local building conditions.
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14. Are there future phases planned?
No future phases are currently planned. The surrounding land is zoned Rural Recreation and Agriculture, with no new proposals submitted.
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15. Who manages the community?
The Bare-Land Condominium Corporation is managed by PEKA Property Management, overseeing maintenance, finances, and owner coordination.
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16. What is the building commitment?
Owners must begin construction within two years of purchase and complete it within 24 months of commencement. The MD of Bighorn building permit is valid for one year and may be extended if needed.
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17. What is the repurchase agreement?
If construction has not started within two years, the developer may repurchase the lot within six months at the orignal purchase price. This is registered on title to promote timely building and preserve community quality.
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18. What are the property taxes?
Homes at Brewsters Kananaskis Ranch are assessed as non-residential due to their Resort Accommodation designation. This allows short-term rentals but carries a higher rate - approximately 1.9x Calgary’s residential tax rate.
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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.
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20. What are some amentities and activitites available in the area?
Brewsters Kananaskis Ranch offers access to exceptional recreation and amenities across Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, and Calgary.
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Local to Kananaskis Ranch:
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Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course
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Bow River fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding,
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Trails for hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing and snowshoeing.
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Canmore (20 minutes): Dining, shopping, breweries, galleries, Elevation Place, Quarry Lake, and Grassi Lakes.
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Banff (30 minutes): Banff National Park, Hot Springs, Gondola, and Banff Avenue.
Calgary (1 hour): Calgary International Airport, restaurants, shopping, arts, and events including the Calgary Stampede.
Resorts: Sunshine Village (40 min), Lake Louise (1hr), Kananaskis Golf (20 min).
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21. How far is Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch from nearby destinations?​​​​​
Destination | Approximate Travel Time |
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Destination | Approximate Travel Time |
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 Ski Resort | 40 Minutes |
Lake Louise Ski Resort | 1 Hour |
Calgary Internation Airport | 1 Hour |
The community offers convenient access to both mountain recreation and city amenities, making it ideal for full-time living or a weekend retreat.
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22. Are basements permitted?
Basements are generally prohibited due to varying groundwater levels. Some lots may allow shallow basements, crawl spaces, or walkouts depending on site-specific hydrology, which must be tested during site preparation.
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