Frequently Asked Questions

Last review/updated: May 11, 2004

Q: What are tax recovery lands?

A: Tax recovery lands were once privately owned. They were forfeited for nonpayment of property taxes.

Q: Can a municipality acquire tax recovery land?

A: Yes. If the land has no commanding environmental sensitivity, land will be transferred at the municipality's request. If the land is under a disposition, the municipality will require consent from the disposition holder before the land can be transferred. Once the tax recovery land is transferred, the municipality is responsible for the administration/management of the land.

Q: How can one find out about the land available for sale?

A: Land available for sale or disposition (e.g.,. grazing lease) is advertised in local newspapers. Sale notices are also placed in all Alberta Sustainable Resource Development field offices and area offices. (The department does not maintain a registry of available public lands.) The majority of vacant public agricultural land available for sale is located within the Peace River Region.

Q: How much does public land cost?

A: Land is sold at the current fair market value through the public auction or tender process. The purchaser is responsible for all related costs (e.g., survey, Land Titles Office registration fees,).

Q: Can I get some homestead land?

A; The Civilian Homestead Act was repealed in 1984. Public land is no longer available for sale in this manner.

Q: Is it possible to buy land to protect the environment? I will not allow anyone to disturb the land, trees, etc.

A; Ownership of public land that is required to meet provincial government resource management commitments or for other government programs, which could include environmental concerns, will remain with the government.

Q: How do I apply to purchase public land?

A: Information about the application process and about public land in general is available from all field offices and area offices. The applicant must submit a completed Application to Purchase form with the required, non-refundable application fee of $53.50. Cheque or money order must be made payable to the Provincial Treasurer.

The application must include

  • the legal description (quarter section, township, range and meridian - Alberta Township Survey information or the Plan, Block and Lot number),
  • sale of fractional area parcels must also include the dimensions of the parcel and its exact location within the quarter section - legal (developed, public road) access
  • if the parcel is held by another party under a disposition with possessory rights (e.g., grazing lease), the applicant must obtain consent of that disposition holder before any application will be reviewed. (This does not apply to pipelines and easements.) The applicant should not compensate the disposition holder unless a sale is approved.

Q: Seismic crossed my land and now there is a problem. What can be done with regards to...

  • water well problems (quality, production, no water, etc.)
  • flowing hole (recent or old)
  • trespass of seismic company on land
  • permit dispute
  • structural damage
  • surface damage
  • other damage

A: If one or more of the above questions is of concern to you, call 780/427-3932 (toll free by dialling 310-0000). The information received will be forwarded to an Inspector who will respond to the inquiry. An unbiased field investigation may be initiated in an effort to work with both the complainant and the oil company to resolve the conflict.

Q: Seismic is planning to cross my land. Where can I get more information about my rights and responsibilities?

A: A document titled Seismic Operations and Farmers Rights is available. For additional information, contact the Farmers Advocate at (780) 427 2433.

Q: What are the acceptable forms of security deposits?

A: There are a number of forms of security deposits that are accepted by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Please review the information document provided.