The Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada give grants to the City of Edmonton in lieu of property taxes.
Properties owned by other orders of government are exempt from paying City of Edmonton property taxes. This is because municipalities in Canada don’t have the authority to tax other orders of government; they are granted taxation powers by the provinces and can’t impose taxes on other orders of government.
Instead, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada provide grants to the City of Edmonton (along with other municipalities) in lieu of property taxes, recognizing that their properties benefit from property tax funded municipal services such as roads, snow clearing, transit and emergency services.
Government of Alberta Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT)
Provincial grants are known as Grants in Place of Taxes, or GIPOT. Examples of provincially owned properties in Edmonton include the Alberta Legislature and its surrounding land and buildings such as the Terrace Building and Queen Elizabeth II building, as well as the Neil Crawford Provincial Centre on Belgravia Road.
Historically, the Government of Alberta has paid grants to Alberta’s municipalities equivalent to 100% of the taxes that would have been paid on the properties if they were owned by a typical taxpayer. In 2019, the Government of Alberta reduced its grants to 75% of the calculated amount and from 2020-2024, further reduced its grant payments to 50%. In 2025, it raised grant payments back to 75% of the calculated amount. From 2026 on, the Government of Alberta has indicated that it will restore GIPOT payments to 100% of eligible property taxes.
Government of Canada Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
Federal grants are known as Payments in Lieu of Taxes, or PILT. Examples of federally owned property include correctional facilities, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and military facilities and the Northern Forestry Centre.
PILT grants are paid at 100% of the municipal tax amount. Similarly, the federal government pays the Government of Alberta a grant equivalent to the education tax portion their properties would be charged if it was not exempt.
Contact Us
Property Taxes
City of Edmonton, PO Box 1982, Edmonton, AB T5J 3X5
Phone: In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Online: Submit Inquiry
In Person: Book an Appointment with a Tax Advisor