Understanding the Tax Increase

Council recognizes that any increase in property taxes has an impact on residents and businesses. The 2026 tax increase was approved to help maintain current municipal services, address rising operating costs, and support the long-term financial sustainability of the Municipality.

While property assessments may change from year to year, an increase in assessment does not automatically mean that the Municipality is collecting more revenue. Municipal tax rates are established annually based on the funding required to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and meet operational needs.

Several factors contributed to the 2026 tax increase, including:

• Rising costs for fuel, utilities, road maintenance materials, equipment repairs, and other day-to-day municipal operations.
• Significant increases in the cost of replacing and maintaining municipal equipment and infrastructure.
• Higher insurance costs for municipal buildings and equipment.
• Increased financial responsibility for wildfire response, including costs that municipalities may be required to cover before provincial assistance becomes available.
• Continued increases in provincially mandated requisitions, such as the Alberta Education Property Tax and the Police Funding Model, which are established by the Province and are outside of Council’s control.
• The need to rebuild municipal reserves to help fund future infrastructure replacement, respond to emergencies, and maintain long-term financial stability.

Council remains committed to responsible financial management while continuing to provide the essential services that residents rely on every day. Through careful long-term planning and prudent financial decision-making, the Municipality can protect and maintain infrastructure, sustain service levels, and reduce the likelihood of larger tax increases in the future.

Residents with questions regarding their property taxes are encouraged to contact the Municipal Office at (780) 864-3500.

Residents with questions regarding their property assessments are encouraged to contact the Property Assessor at Northern Sunrise County by calling (780) 624-0013.

For more information, read the Understanding Property Tax & Requisition Breakdown.