Lower Property Taxes

Lower Property Taxes

Strathcona County residents are facing a major tax increase in 2026.

County administration is forecasting a 6.63% municipal tax revenue hike, driven by rising costs, large capital projects, and a renewed push to rebuild reserves that were paused in 2025.

Unfortunately, spending continues to rise faster than families can afford, and taxpayers are being asked to shoulder the burden.

Of the 6.63% increase, 4.39% is tied directly to capital pressures - advancing the new indoor fieldhouse, taking on debt for multiple major projects like the first stage of Bremner, Station 7 in Cambrian, and The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre, and replenishing reserves for future builds.

Another 0.59% is linked to The Pointe’s first full year of operations and hiring eight full-time firefighters.

And 1.65% comes from base operations - the ongoing cost of running local government.

At the same time, Strathcona County is taking on significantly more debt.

The municipality is projected to jump from 17% to 41% of its legislated debt limit - a 24-point increase in a single year - driven almost entirely by new capital commitments.

Inflation continues to strain the budget as labour, material, and equipment costs are all going up.

Administration insists these pressures make tax hikes unavoidable.

But families in Strathcona County are facing the same inflationary pressure - without the ability to raise their own income by 6.63%.

Instead of passing these costs directly on to residents, the County should take a hard look at spending priorities and ensure they are focused on essential services first.

Budget deliberations begin later this month, so now is the time to speak up.

If you think Strathcona County should tighten its belt instead of raising taxes by 6.63%, we need your support.

Add your name to our petition calling for:

• No new property tax increase for 2026

• Spending focused on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection

• Cuts to non-essential projects and a halt to bureaucratic expansion

• Responsible use of reserves to avoid future fiscal crises

Sign the petition now and tell Council to Lower Property Taxes: