Overview
Albertans and investors depend on the efficient processing of land titles.
The Alberta Government is implementing modernized land titles systems to help increase efficiency, streamline processes, reduce wait times and add continuous improvement to address Alberta’s growing needs. Modernization will reinforce Alberta’s strong economy by providing the tools needed to manage the $340 million processed through Alberta’s Land Titles office each day, and the more than $50 billion in real estate transactions conducted each year.
When this work is complete, the government expects land titles documents will be processed in less than 5 business days. Digital solutions will play a significant role in achieving that outcome.
Alberta Registries for Land Online
The Alberta Government is taking a user focused approach in developing and improving the Alberta Registries for Land Online (ARLO), our new land titles system. The new features and enhancements to ARLO include:
- Enhanced Search Experience: In addition to searching by plan/block/lot, users can now search for current titles by title number and LINC (Land Identifier Numeric Code) number. Purchased titles will be emailed as PDFs. We’ve also improved the search interface with tool tips, a title preview page, search boxes, and easy access to support info for the new search criterion types.
- Simplified Volume Data Access: Users now have the flexibility to choose between a PDF form or a new, user-friendly online fillable form for volume data access requests. This means a smoother experience for users
- Improved Contact Form: Users will now receive an email confirmation when they submit an inquiry through the contact form, confirming that their request has been received. The online form offers users the ability to navigate and submit their requests using their keyboard without the need for a mouse. There is a new optional legal land description input field for users to provide more information, and dynamic help content that generates help resources based on the topic of inquiry the user selects.
Current systems (i.e., Spin2) will remain operational until all search functions delivered by the existing system are completed for ARLO. The goal is to replace the existing search and data-based functions in current systems with ARLO by summer 2026.
ARLO will be available via: Land registry, or through Land titles, Alberta registries, and Land Titles Online.
Changes to the act
Provisions in Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2023, related to land titles and the Land Titles Act were proclaimed into force in May 2024. The amendments:
- allow authorized users of the current electronic submission system – Alberta Land Titles Online (ALTO) – to digitally sign and submit certain documents to Land Titles and Surveys, saving time and expense involved with signing, printing, and storing paper originals
- support future policy development that will enable the digitization of the land title registration process in Alberta, contributing to the modernization of government service delivery
These changes only effect electronic submissions, while paper submission processes remain the same. These changes are not mandatory as you are able to continue your existing practices.
Although some land titles documents can now be electronic, further changes to paper documentation procedures are required before you can complete and submit all land titles documents electronically. However, the changes in May 2024 remove legislative barriers and are a positive step toward providing that service in the future.
Authorized users of Alberta Land Titles Online can access more detailed information about the digital signature policy on ALTO.
As we work to modernize land titles systems and processes, legislation like the Land Titles Act may need more updates to support the evolution of Alberta Land Titles and Surveys.