Property taxes in Calgary could rise by up to 15 percent next year

 

 

There are indications that Calgary residents may face a heavier property tax burden in the coming years. Details regarding this are contained in the proposed budget documents released by the City Council. According to the preliminary budget document prepared for the 2027–2030 period, homes with an average value of $706,000 could see a tax increase of up to 15 percent next year.

When changes in utility fees are factored in, homeowners would have to pay an additional $52 per month on average. This figure could rise to $56 per month in the following year. City officials maintain that, given factors such as inflation, population growth, and the need to upgrade aging infrastructure, there is no alternative to increasing tax revenue.

However, Mayor Jeromy Farkas clarified that these figures are not final and that clarity will only emerge after the budget discussions scheduled for November. He noted that in previous years, high rates were initially proposed but subsequently reduced significantly. The Mayor added that priority would be given to police, fire services, and essential infrastructure, while unnecessary expenses would need to be avoided. The report states that limiting the tax hike to below four percent would compromise the quality of city services, while a 4.2 percent increase would allow existing services to continue but delay development projects and the expansion of emergency services. The administration is set to present the full budget draft to the council in November.