No municipal property tax increase this year

Taking into consideration the continuing uncertainties of COVID-19, County Council approved a zero per cent municipal property tax increase and reduced late tax payment penalties for 2021.

“Our healthy financial position and strategic allocation of dollars has given us ability to weather the storm,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “No tax increase and a break on penalties aims to ease the pressures for residential and non-residential property owners during the pandemic.”

“Strathcona County residents pay some of the most competitive municipal property taxes among Alberta municipalities,” adds Mayor Frank. “Over the last four years, we have cut taxes by -1.35 per cent. Moreover, our tax rates are sustainable, and are forecasted to stay less than the rate of inflation over the next four years; and we have increased budget value by over $30 million.”

Property owners can expect to pay a property tax amount close to what they paid in 2020, aside from the impact of annual market value changes.

Municipal property taxes make up 60.5 per cent of a property owner’s tax bill in 2021. Strathcona County also collects taxes on behalf of the Government of Alberta for education, representing 35.6 per cent of property taxes. The Strathcona County Library and Heartland Housing Foundation make up 3.9 per cent.

Property tax notices will be mailed to property owners in May. The property tax deadline is Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Further information is available at strathcona.ca/assessmentandtax, including an online Property Tax Calculator that provides an annual or monthly tax breakdown on municipal services, and details on payment options such as the monthly Tax Instalment Payment Plan. Assessment details and comparison reports can also be generated using the Property Assessment Mapping tool.

A convenient way to make an assessment or tax inquiry is to visit strathcona.ca/countyconnect, or call 780-464-8120.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595