Background
This grant is intended to bring the City’s tax policies in line with provincial legislation, ensuring that a fair and consistent process exists for affordable housing providers.
With a few exceptions, affordable housing is taxable under the existing provincial legislation governing municipal property taxes. Over the years, some affordable housing providers have received property tax exemptions from the City, while others currently pay property taxes.
Funding for the grant was approved during the 2023-2026 budget, following several City Council meetings on the need for a more consistent and flexible approach to property taxes.
While the new Affordable Housing Tax Grant will cover the municipal portion of the tax levy apart from non-residential or commercial uses, non-profits will still be responsible for covering the provincial education tax portion for the entire property. The City has been in conversations with the Government of Alberta about this issue.