Dozens of residents at Verve Condominiums in Calgary's East Village have been given less than two weeks' notice to vacate their titled parking stalls due to an upcoming construction project. The abrupt notification has left many owners scrambling to find alternative parking arrangements and questioning their legal rights.
Sudden notice sparks outrage
Residents received letters on June 25, 2026, informing them that they must remove their vehicles from their designated underground parking spots by July 8. The notice cited the need for the space to be used for construction staging and equipment storage related to a nearby development. Many owners, who purchased their units with titled parking stalls, expressed frustration over the lack of advance warning and the short timeline.
"We bought our condo specifically because it came with a titled parking spot. Now we're being told we have to move our car with almost no notice, and there's no guarantee we'll get the spot back," said resident Sarah Mitchell, who has lived in the building for three years.
Legal and financial implications
The situation raises questions about the rights of condo owners with titled parking. According to real estate lawyer David Chen, titled parking stalls are considered part of the owner's property, and any interference could constitute a breach of rights. "If the parking stall is titled, the owner has a legal interest in that space. The condo corporation or developer cannot simply take it away without proper compensation or legal authority," Chen explained.
Residents are concerned about the financial impact, including potential costs for temporary parking and the long-term loss of their titled spots. Some have reported that the building's management offered no compensation or alternative parking solutions. "We were just told to find somewhere else to park. There's no plan for where we're supposed to put our cars," said another resident, Mark Thompson.
Construction project details
The construction is part of a larger development in the East Village area, a rapidly growing neighborhood in Calgary's downtown core. The specific project affecting Verve Condominiums involves a new mixed-use building that will include residential and commercial spaces. The developer, East Village Development Corp., has not commented on the situation, but a spokesperson for the City of Calgary said that permits for the project were issued in accordance with municipal regulations.
The notice period of less than two weeks is significantly shorter than the typical 30 to 60 days recommended for such disruptions. Condo board president Linda Harris acknowledged the inconvenience but stated that the board had limited options. "We were informed by the developer that they needed access urgently. We tried to negotiate a longer timeline, but it wasn't possible," Harris said.
Residents seek solutions
In response, some residents are considering legal action to protect their property rights. A meeting was held on July 1 to discuss options, including filing a complaint with the Alberta Condominium Dispute Tribunal. Others are exploring temporary parking arrangements, such as renting spaces in nearby lots or garages, which can cost between $200 and $400 per month in the East Village area.
The situation has also highlighted broader concerns about the balance between development and residents' rights in rapidly growing urban centers. "This is a wake-up call for condo owners across the city. Titled parking isn't guaranteed if developers can override it with minimal notice," Chen added.
As of July 9, 2026, most residents have complied with the notice, but many remain uncertain about when they can return to their stalls. The construction is expected to last at least six months, according to project timelines.
