Frequently Asked Questions
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What size are the lots?
Phase 1 to 4 lots vary is size from 70 – 100 ft wide by 130 – 175 ft deep (averaging 0.25 acres)
Phase 5 lots are much larger (up to 3.5 acres)
What type of dwelling can I have in Hilliard's Bay Estates?
The intent of Hilliard’s Bay Estates is to establish a lakeside cottage community with the architectural theme favoring traditional lake cabin, chalet or cottage designs in earth tone colors.
- All buildings must be NEW.
- Custom built homes, pre-fabricated, modular RTM (ready to move) homes are allowed.
- Mobile homes and park models are not permitted.
- One dwelling/residence allowed per lot. Guest house not permitted (County bylaw).
- 600 sq ft minimum on main floor footprint.
- Maximum lot coverage is 35% (County bylaw 11.22.2.c)
Are there be Architectural Guidelines for buildings?
Yes, to achieve an expression of harmony and character and also protect the integrity of the community, the Hilliard’s Bay Estates has established architectural guidelines.
These are included in the condominium bylaws document.
What is included in the purchase price of my lot?
- Roads, Atco electrical power service to your property line.
The landowner will be responsible for the tie in of power to dwelling. - Clear title to your property, subject to encumbrances required by the planning authorities and the developer.
- The Condo Association has extra amenities including security gates, storage yard, seasonal docks, nature walking trails, playgrounds, sports court, beach and water sport equipment.
How long before I have to build?
The 8 year commitment begins with the transfer from the developer, not with each additional sale.
How long can I live in a RV on my lot?
After your residence is built, your RV can remain on your property as long as it is kept in good care.
What about water and sewer services?
Each lot owner will be required to install an approved underground (suck-out) septic tank and sewage must hauled to an offsite treatment facility. Owners are encouraged to either have a below ground cistern or a water tank in their residence. However, if above ground water tanks are used, just they must be enclosed in a shelter that matches the residence.
Potable water must be trucked in and delivered into your cistern. A potable water dispensing station is available in the Hamlet of Grouard.
There are several service providers of vacuum trucks and water trucks in the area.
Can I drill a water well on my lot?
In accordance with the Alberta Water Act Regulations Section 9(1), and the Alberta Water Act Sections 23(3) and 23(4) to commence with the diversion of ground water can only occur if, an aquifer study conducted by an certified professional insures sufficient amount of water volume to service all household use in a subdivision with greater than six parcels.
What is the ownership structure for homes and lots?
The property will be developed as a bareland condominium, which means lot (unit) owners will have full title to their lot and be responsible for maintenance of their lot and structures.
The roads, trails, beach area, and parks will be common property, and they will be collectively owned and maintained by all the condominium corporations that form part of the total land base (and therefore by all condominium unit holders).
What are bylaws?
The bylaws shall regulate the condominium association and provide for the control, management and administration of the units (lots), the real and personal property of the corporation and common property.
Copies of current bylaws are available to download on this website.
How will the condominium association oversee the bylaws of Hilliard’s Bay Estates?
There is an elected board of directors made up of lot owners, elected by all the unit holders of Hilliard’s Bay Estates lots.
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May I have more than one RV on my lot?
The Big Lakes County bylaw states that the maximum number of RV sleeping units per lot shall be two. Upon completion of dwelling, the zoning bylaws imposed by the County shall prevail.
Currently the County bylaw allows only one RV and one dwelling on a lot. Guest Houses are not allowed in Big Lakes county in our zoning area.
How can existing condo bylaws be changed?
A bylaw can be changed with a 75% majority vote of the unit holders.
Will there be monthly condominium fees?
Amount is set by the board based on their budgetary needs. The Condo Fee for 2025-26 is $900. June – April
What does "seasonal residential use" and "permanent residency" mean in the County of Big Lakes bylaws?
It means dwellings under 600 sq ft and RV’s are classified as recreational dwellings under County bylaw section 8.1.5(e) and are discretionary “seasonal use only” . The Big Lakes Conty has approved permanent residency for Hilliard’s Bay Estates residential dwellings. HBE is zoned as BR – Bareland Recreational.
Where I can I launch my boat?
Presently, you may use the boat launch at Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park and the marina facilities at Shaw’s Point (daily/monthly fees apply).
Can I put up a dock or boat lift?
The condo association manages the dock and boat lift installation on a yearly basis in accordance with guidelines set in the Alberta Environment handout, Guidelines for Lakeshore Use #061-1C.
Through the generous purchase of 3 FLOE seasonal dock systems, our maintenance crew installs the docks for our use. Our maintenance crew is also responsible for installing and removing the boat lifts as requested by the lot owner. Lot owners are responsible for the purchase and maintenance of their boat lift and dock slip system. We highly recommend using FLOE lifts to match those in place. There is a fee for the installation/removal of these systems. Residents are contacted on a yearly basis to determine if they would like their boat lift installed. Fees for installation must be paid prior to the open water season.
Boat slips and lifts can be purchased from KimLake Ventures, Rick Cloutier who is a lot owner at HBE. You may contact him at 780-837-0410 or by email at kimlake@kimlakelife.ca
What do I do with my household garbage?
Lot owners are responsible for all their garbage and waste removal. There is one landfill/transfer stations in the area. The Grouard transfer station is open Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. winter – 10am to 7pm summer. For further details, check under the Services/Utilities section on the Big Lakes County website.
Reminder: We are in Bear country. Garbage should not be stored outside and should be placed in sealed receptacles to limit odors.
Are ATV’s allowed in Hilliard's Bay Estates?
ATV’s are prohibited from the common property, roads and trails within the Hilliard’s Bay Estates subdivision and also within the Provincial Park surrounding our property. The current bylaw states that ATV’s may used for utility purposes on lot owner’s property only. Golf carts for transportation are strongly encouraged.
Is there be security in Hilliard's Bay Estates?
There are remote control gates at all 3 entrances at Hilliard’s Bay Estates.
Gates are maintained and administered by the Board of Directors of the condo association.
Is there a playground and beach?
There is a playground in Phase 2 on Aspen Ave and multli purpose sports court and playground in phase 3. A beautiful natural sandy beach with swimming area is located in phase 3.