How to Check Property History in Canada

Checking a property’s history before making an offer requires assembling records from several municipal and provincial sources. Property Proof aggregates these records into a single report so buyers and realtors do not need to navigate each portal individually.

1. Building Permits

Municipal open data portals publish building, development, and trade permit records. Permits are classified as Closed, Open, Expired, or Unknown. Open permits may indicate work that was never inspected.

2. Zoning & Land Use

Each property carries a zoning designation under the local bylaw, which controls permitted uses, secondary suites, density, and lot coverage.

3. Flood and Environmental Mapping

Provincial flood hazard mapping classifies properties inside, adjacent to, or outside mapped flood areas. In Alberta, the source is the Government of Alberta Flood Awareness Map. Other provinces publish their own equivalents.

4. Municipal Assessment Records

Assessment records contain year built, lot size, and property type, providing an independent reference point against the listing sheet.

Run a Property History Report

Property Proof aggregates these data points into one report for residential addresses across Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. Reports are $49 CAD and deliver instantly.