Alberta's new budget, featuring an increased education property tax rate, is drawing sharp criticism from Calgary's city council and mayor. The provincial government's plan will generate $3.6 billion, with $1.2 billion requisitioned directly from Calgary. This move means 42 cents of every property tax dollar collected in the city will now go to the provincial government, a move Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas calls "incredibly egregious."
Farkas expressed disappointment, stating the increase is expected to cost the typical Calgary homeowner an additional $340 this year, a stark contrast to the city council's own 1.6% property tax increase. While acknowledging some budget positives like affordable housing funding, he questioned the return for Calgarians' tax dollars. The province pointed to investments in Calgary, including Green Line LRT funding and upgrades to Deerfoot Trail, but notably omitted projects like the Prairie Economic Gateway and the Bearspaw feeder main. Finance Minister Nate Horner defended the hike, citing its role in funding the education ministry's operating budget over two staggered years. Calgary council is considering measures to respond, potentially including separate property tax bills.