Information for Residents

Annual Homeowner Fees

Annual homeowner fees are an important and mandatory part of living in Royal Gardens at Blackmud Creek. Fees are collected to maintain our neighborhood, such as our perimeter fence and entryway. Fee notices are mailed out to residences in January. Our Property Administrator receives and tracks your fees and deposits payments into the HOA's bank account.

Non-payment of fees will result in the registration of a Caveat against your property title, the cost of which will be added to your account (plus applicable Land Title charges). A Letter of Clearance, issued by the HOA, is required upon the sale of your property. If homeowner fees are outstanding when the home is sold, the HOA Board has the authority to have outstanding fees deducted from the sale of your home.

We accept e-transfers! You can pay your annual HOA fees, or any outstanding fees, using e-transfer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a Condominium Association and a Homeowners Association? A Homeowners Association (HOA) is entirely independent of any relationship with a Condominium Association. If your property happens to be included as part of a Condominium Association in a neighbourhood with a Homeowners Association, you are obligated to pay both. 

Membership is not voluntary. You are responsible for the payment of both fees where applicable. Condominium Association fees are significantly higher and are charged monthly whereas an HOA fee is minimal and charged on a yearly basis.

There is an informative article explaining the significance of both available here.

• How are my fees determined? Every year the Board of Directors prepares a detailed operating budget. Not less than thirty days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year the Board determines the costs less anticipated revenue. The Directors then determine the assessment rate. This is outlined under the Articles of Association Articles 64-66.

• Can the association increase the fees? Yes. Every year the Board of Directors reviews a detailed operating budget for the next fiscal year. Thirty days prior to the next fiscal year (December 1), the Board determines the fees based on the net cost of expenses less any anticipated revenues.

• Do I have to pay HOA fees? Yes. Annual homeowner fees are an important and mandatory part of living in Royal Gardens at Blackmud Creek. Fees are collected to maintain our neighborhood. Fee notices are delivered to each property annually. Our Property Administrator receives and tracks your fees and deposits payments into the HOA's bank account.

• Does the HOA charge interest for unpaid fees? Yes. Interest charges and any fees related to collection are the responsibility of the homeowner. Interest is calculated based on the bank prime rate plus 5%. This is covered in the Encumbrance document under #7. 

• How much are the annual fees?  The fees for 2025 are $220. 

• When is the Annual General Meeting? Our next Annual General Meeting will be held in 2025 (usually held in May) and homeowners will receive the details at least 14 days in advance. 

• What is covered through my HOA fees? A portion of each year's fees are saved in a reserve account for future costs, such as a perimeter fence replacement. 

Maintenance of:

• Entrance features - retaining walls, masonry pillars and property signage

• Exterior perimeter fence - painting and replacement as needed

• Fencing around dry pond

• Lights - on Ellerslie Road fence, entrance and short posts around dry pond

Other costs:

• Required insurance

• Annual auditor reports

• Operating costs such as electricity

• Administration expenses including property administration

• Right-of-way fees every 5 years

• Reserve fund study every 5 years

• Is there a community league in the neighbourhood? Yes, Blackmud Creek has a Community League. For information on the league and the benefits of a membership, visit the Blackmud Creek website, or follow them on social media: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

• What are the black growths I see on our original Mayday and  Chokecherry trees? These growths are caused by Black Knot, a highly contagious disease that will eventually kill your trees. Infected branches should be removed and properly disposed of. Read more on the Government of Alberta's website.

Have a question that wasn't answered above? Please email us at  rgabcedmonton@gmail.com.