Prompt payment & holdbacks in Alberta in Calgary

CCT 01Check the governing contract and statute

Alberta’s Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act governs covered construction work. Public-sector and other project circumstances can require separate consideration. This overview is general information, not advice on a particular invoice, lien or dispute. Have a construction lawyer assess applicability and deadlines.

CCT 02Define the proper-invoice workflow

Set out who receives invoices and how receipt is recorded. The statutory framework uses a proper invoice as an important trigger; an internal approval queue should not be assumed to pause the legal clock. Keep supporting work records and contractual invoice requirements organized.

CCT 03Track owner payment and disputes

For covered work, the general owner-payment deadline is 28 days after receiving a proper invoice. A notice disputing payment is generally required within 14 days. These summaries do not resolve exceptions or a specific dispute; verify the statute and obtain advice promptly. ¹

CCT 04Keep subcontractor payment visible

Payment duties continue down the contracting chain. The general rule after a contractor receives full payment is payment of the subcontractor’s share within 7 days. Non-payment scenarios have additional notice and timing provisions and should not be reduced to a simple pay-when-paid assumption. ¹

CCT 05Administer holdback separately

A holdback is not an informal discount or a substitute for a deficiency budget. Determine the applicable holdback, release conditions and lien-related deadlines with the contract administrator and legal adviser. Do not release or retain funds solely on a generic website summary.

CCT 06Preserve the evidence

Keep contracts, changes, delivery records, invoices, receipt dates, notices and payment evidence together. If a dispute develops, get advice before deadlines pass. An ongoing negotiation should not be assumed to preserve statutory rights or extend a filing period.

CCT 07Put the guide to work

Related scope: Design-build electrical. Budget context: Commercial electrician rates. Explore the Service capacity & headroom tool for planning arithmetic.

These pages concern Calgary. Confirm the authority and wire-service provider for Airdrie, Rocky View County or another neighbouring municipality. The applicable permits and connection process may differ.