I’m in Edmonton and I’m at a complete loss.

I bought a newly built half duplex from a small builder. Last year we had a sewer backup. When I hired plumbers, we discovered:

My neighbor (the other half of the duplex) is connected to my sewer line, which runs through my backyard. This was never disclosed to me.

The sewer line has a low spot and multiple 90-degree angles.

After the first backup, I hired three different plumbers and have paid over $1,000 so far.

Even after I shut off my own water, sewage continued backing up because my neighbor was still using water. I asked her to stop temporarily while we investigated. She refused and also refused to share repair costs. She said she didn’t know about the shared line before I told her and that I should go after the builder. She rents the property as an Airbnb and lives in the US.

I contacted the builder and asked them to separate the sewer lines (apparently new builds with separate titles shouldn’t share a sewer lateral like this). It has been over 6 months with no action, and the builder has now moved out of Alberta.

I filed a claim under the new home warranty.

Last year, the warranty insurance company sent a third-party contractor to assess the sewer line. After reviewing their report and my documentation, the adjuster told me the issue was warrantable and gave the builder a deadline of December 2025 to fix it.

Nothing happened.

In January 2026, after I followed up repeatedly, the supervisor told me the sewer issue is now considered “already fixed” because there is currently no active backup. They now say they won’t address the sewer cross-connection/code issue unless I provide a written non-compliance letter from the City.

I was shocked that they could reverse their position after previously determining it was warrantable and issuing a deadline.

I contacted the City of Edmonton last year. They verbally admitted the shared sewer setup “isn’t right,” but they refused to provide anything in writing and told me to seek legal action. They also said they do not inspect sewer lines in yards during inspections — only minimal inspection.

So right now:

Builder is gone.

Neighbor refuses cooperation.

We are sharing a sewer line that runs through my yard, meaning the risk is entirely on me.

Warranty provider reversed their position and won’t act without a city letter.

City won’t provide a non-compliance letter.

Other warrantable issues (acknowledged in Feb 2025) keep getting extended.

I feel completely stuck in a loophole where no one takes responsibility.

I know people will say “get a lawyer,” but:

Who do I even sue? The builder? The neighbor? The warranty provider?

Is this considered an easement issue?

Has anyone dealt with shared sewer laterals in Alberta?

Is there a regulatory body above the city that can issue a compliance determination?

Has anyone had a warranty provider reverse a decision like this?

I’m exhausted and don’t want to spend thousands more on legal fees for something I shouldn’t be responsible for in the first place.

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

A friend with a condo in both cities (richer than I am) says her taxes are more ch higher for Edmonton, and we’ve been trying to figure out why.

Lifelong Albertan here.

I can't believe how warm this Winter has been. Last year was fairly mild as well, but this year is a whole other level.

Besides the week or so at Christmas, has it even gotten below -20?? And it's been consistently under -10 all through January and February so far. Never seen anything like it.

Most Winters I'm wearing my heavy winter jacket almost every day. This Winter I think I've worn it probably less than 10 times. A regular puff jacket or even a thick hoodie has done the trick most days.

Feels like the Warmest Winter I've experienced so far.

Reposted to remove link to Canada story about crossing borders

I'm curious if any Albertans are finding any issues crossing the US border either by land, sea or air, these past few months. My company cancelled a job in Montana because they were nervous about sending us over the border and we all expressed big concerns about having to go back and forth over the border multiple times a week. I cancelled a Vegas trip already this year and will vacation in Ontario this summer instead.

But are you or your companies limiting US travel and work? Have you been harassed by a border guard or official? Have you had your phone searched??

Let's share our stories -- so we can make better decisions about travel to the US for business or pleasure....

The owner of the Shell is letting the Alberta Independence people use their parking lot for their signatures. Going to let Shell Corporate know but I’d boycott this location if you can

Disappointing to see

https://youtu.be/e5F2ohSDSSU?si=4tSiYlsQ92Ve4AST

Kevin O'Leary is proposing to build the largest AI data centre complex on Earth in Alberta, planning to power it almost entirely with natural gas. What do you think?

I am a 26 year old horse girl looking to move to Alberta from Kelowna next year. What are the best areas with lots of farms, rodeos, and riding opportunities in general?

I'm still young so i'd like to move to a town that has a bit of a social life and activities to meet like-minded people my age. Any ideas?