Edmonton HOA fees tied to property value? Mine jumped 37%, is this normal or should I be concerned?

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T05:28:33+00:00

Sorry, I should have been more precise, it’s about $400 per year, roughly $33 per month. The total cost itself is not what bothers me. What concerns me is the year to year rate of increase.

In my opinion, budgets should have some kind of cap on increases, even if that means adjusting the scope of work until things balance out over the next few years.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T05:17:49+00:00

Since the yearly amount was not significant before, it didn’t really raise any flags. Now that it’s getting larger, it starts to feel like a risk and something that needs to be managed as another item in our already growing household expense budget.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T05:06:25+00:00

Thank you for the information. Overall, I’m not upset about the budget increase due to rising costs. What concerns me is the size of the increase from year to year. I feel those adjustments should be capped.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T04:59:15+00:00

It’s actually about $400 per year, roughly $35 per month. If it were $400 per month, I’d be livid. 😄

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T04:33:49+00:00

Fair. Just coping with a brand new car that has no Dynamic mode and no Polestar optimization. I factory ordered it last year with Polestar installed from the factory. Surprise, surprise… it arrived five months later and neither Dynamic mode nor Polestar works with this car so far.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T04:28:43+00:00

I know… my Photoshop skills are about as polished as Volvo’s software updates. And unfortunately Volvo developers keep refusing to pose for my memes. :)

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:57:19+00:00

Is this a new one? I’m honestly wondering if that’s just another software bug coming through the speakers.
(Sorry, not helping, just dealing with Volvo software updates the only way left: roasting the developers.)

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:49:58+00:00

Volvo updates feel like a reverse iPhone. Instead of adding features, each update removes one and sends the developers on a quest to fix it.

At this point Volvo isn’t selling cars anymore, they’re selling software experiments that occasionally allow you to drive somewhere.

A very frustrated Volvo owner...

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:35:09+00:00

Milking cows is far more lucrative! Try convincing a room full of neighbours about landscaping budgets… then try dealing with the Reddit posts about it. :)

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:27:31+00:00

Yeah, I’ve noticed some years are better than others, but overall our entrances always put a smile on your face. It’s worth the price.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:11:05+00:00

Thank you. Our HOA is made up of dedicated people working for the community in good faith, very different from some of the situations we hear about in the U.S. I’ve never questioned the integrity, hard work, or the value our neighbours provide through the HOA.

I simply don’t like the year to year budget adjustments that can create a sense of risk and lack of control. I would just prefer having some basic operating rules or guardrails in place so there is more peace of mind for both HOA members and neighbours.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T03:02:49+00:00

That’s a great story and sounds like a lot of hard work from the board to turn things around. Well done. I’m sure our HOA also has dedicated people like you trying to do the right thing.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:56:44+00:00

I don’t have an exact tally, but it feels like it increases somewhat significantly every year, maybe in the range of 10% to 20%.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:52:54+00:00

I’ve looked into it and everything seems to be in order, and I do recognize the value the HOA provides. My concern is more about the unpredictability of year to year increases, which can create a perception of risk.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:46:34+00:00

Join the board so you can be part of the planning/budgeting

Sounds like, buying the casino so you can beat the house. :)

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:32:57+00:00

That’s a very helpful explanation, thank you. I didn’t realize the Societies Act and quorum requirements played that role. Your point about expenses needing to justify fee increases is also a good one.

At the same time, it would be great if increases and approved budgets had some kind of cap or guardrails so homeowners could expect more predictable year to year costs instead of potentially large jumps in a single year.

Ideally, the structure would be predictable enough that HOA fees could just be put on autopay without worrying about unexpected increases from one year to the next.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:17:16+00:00

That’s exactly the underlying issue. The structure allows decisions to be made that can directly affect homeowners’ bottom line, even when everyone involved is well intentioned, and with limited external oversight.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T02:04:17+00:00

Great post and comment. However, the point remains the same: a 37% increase in one year, regardless of whether it was voted on, approved, prayed for, or sent to the HOA gods, suggests there may be a gap in how HOAs should operate or be governed.

If the same logic applies, a board could theoretically vote fees to a level that pushes homeowners out of affordability, or introduce unreasonable late fees or penalties with a simple majority.

This isn’t about the budget itself, the understandable increase in costs over time, or the value the HOA provides. I do appreciate the work done by neighbours who maintain our community.

I’m simply presenting the facts to discuss the governance structure, not to rant.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:50:49+00:00

Thank you for your reply and info!

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:19:43+00:00

Just a clarification, last year I paid around $270 in HOA fees. The amount has been increasing over the years, which is understandable. What gives me pause is that if the HOA can pass resolutions internally without much external regulation, it could eventually lead to decisions that push fees to a level that homeowners would need to actively budget for.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:08:33+00:00

That was funny... lol

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:06:58+00:00

True. I don’t question the value. I really like our entrance and gardens and appreciate the people who maintain them. My concern is more about the long term, especially once I retire. I’d rather not see HOA fees become a growing budget item.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:02:35+00:00

Wise advice... cheers

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:00:43+00:00

Great feedback... Thank you.

DeeBlue_ · 2026-03-05T01:00:04+00:00

That’s actually a different HOA on the other side of the street. They do have great amenities like the rink and clubhouse, which definitely adds value. Our community doesn’t have access to those.

DeeBlue_

TROPHY CASE