Calgarians could face nearly 45% cumulative property tax increase over four years
The typical homeowner's bill rises about $37 a month in 2027 under the proposed 2027-2030 budget, and public input opens Tuesday.
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A typical Calgary homeowner would pay about $37 a month more in property tax in 2027 under a proposed 2027-2030 city budget. Over four years, the budget would raise property tax collections nearly 45 per cent.
The city projects property tax revenue rising 15 per cent in 2027, 10 per cent in 2028, 7.7 per cent in 2029 and six per cent in 2030. The typical single residential property would see an extra $28 a month in 2028, $24 in 2029 and $21 in 2030.
The budget proposes roughly $20 billion in capital spending over 2027-2030, about twice the recent spend, which the city calls a "generational investment" in water, transit, infrastructure, renewal of aging assets and growth. Among the largest items: $1.7 billion for upgrades to the Pine Creek and Fish Creek wastewater treatment plants, $420 million for road rehabilitation, $300 million for new buses, $284 million for recreation facilities under GamePLAN and $102 million for fire and emergency response stations.
Water, wastewater and stormwater charges are also rising. The drinking water rate would go up 19.9 per cent, wastewater 15.2 per cent and stormwater 5.8 per cent. A typical metered residential bill would climb from $119.21 a month in 2026 to $206.94 in 2030, a 74 per cent increase. Waste and recycling charges would add $16 a month in 2027, rising to $30 by 2030.
The police capital request is the sharpest single increase in the plan. The Calgary Police Service has asked for about $192 million over 2027-2030, a 73 per cent rise over the roughly $111 million it received for 2023-2026. The budget allocates $214 million to police capital including previously approved amounts. Mayor Jeromy Farkas called the increase "unprecedented," telling reporters Monday, "I don't think any budget, even if it is the police budget, can have a 73 per cent increase attached to it."
Public submissions open Tuesday, either in writing or by registering to speak. The public hearing before council begins Nov. 23, and council may change the budget after hearing from Calgarians before it is finalized.
The facts
How much more would a typical Calgary homeowner pay in property tax in 2027?
A typical Calgary homeowner would pay about $37 a month more in property tax in 2027 under the proposed 2027-2030 city budget. Property tax revenue would rise 15 per cent that year.
How much would Calgary property tax collections rise over four years?
Under the proposed 2027-2030 Calgary city budget, property tax collections would rise nearly 45 per cent over four years.
