Edmonton budget plan proposes 4.9 per cent property tax hike for 2027
A household assessed at $492,500 would pay $17.64 more a month in 2027 under the city's four-year plan.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A home assessed at $492,500 would pay $17.64 more a month in 2027 under the city's new four-year budget. That is $335.39 a month, up from $317.74 this year.
Mayor Andrew Knack said he is generally comfortable with the proposed 4.9 per cent increase. "If I'm going to ask for more, it needs to be in a moderate amount," he told reporters Tuesday, adding that about $20 more a month is moderate, provided it delivers real service improvements. The increase in the $4 billion operating budget keeps pace with inflation and pays for better snow clearing and bigger budgets for policing and fire rescue.
Councillor Reed Clarke, in his first term, said he would prefer lower taxes but called some increase realistic. He wants residents to notice a difference when the new rate takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, pointing to snow clearing as an example.
The city recommends increases of 4.7 per cent in 2028, 4.5 per cent in 2029 and 3.9 per cent in 2030.
The budget also centres on economic development. Knack said only about 2.6 per cent of the city's industrial land is shovel-ready and that figure needs to be much higher. The city is considering a 25 per cent tax abatement over three years for new industrial spaces. Non-residential properties currently carry about 40 per cent of the tax burden, which Knack said needs to grow.
The 2027-2030 capital budget includes $100 million to widen Parsons Road, 215th Street (Winterburn Road) and 41st Avenue to double lanes and upgrade the most congested intersections. Council gives the plan its initial nod in the coming weeks, and the rate is set for Jan. 1, 2027.
