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 has taken a user focused approach to develop and launch a new and improved land titles system called Alberta Registries for Land Online (ARLO). We have completed the development of ARLO components and the first product release including:
- Search – Users will be able to search for a current title and pay for that title, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. A PDF of the purchased title will be emailed to the client.
- Volume data access – This function will allow users to complete the entire access request process digitally using electronic signatures, with no printing or scanning needed. Applications will be better organized and managed digitally without the need for paper.
- Client service – The contact form will provide a simplified, better organized, and more efficient means for clients to contact Land Titles’ Client Service using ARLO.
Current systems
Current systems (such as 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 2025.
Availability
ARLO will be available at:
- Alberta Registry for Land Online
- Land titles
- Alberta Registries Spatial Information System (SPIN2)
- 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.