In Canada, the term “expropriation” refers to the right to take real property and the reciprocal right of the owner to be compensated for the loss. The jurisdiction to take land in Alberta is found in a number of enabling statutes. This paper focuses on the process of expropriation employed by municipalities in exercising powers under the Expropriation Act, RSA 2000, c E-13. The author also discusses principles which govern compensation from a practical perspective and touches on the appeals process.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s 49th Annual Refresher: Real Estate from April 24 – 26, 2016.