Lower Property Taxes
Edmonton residents are bracing for another major tax increase.
City Administration has warned the new Council that property taxes will need to rise by 6.4% in 2026 just to keep up with the City’s growing costs.
The draft budget will be released shortly, with deliberations set for December 1st to 4th.
City Hall says the increase is necessary because population growth, inflation, and years of holding taxes artificially low have created pressure on the operating budget.
But instead of prioritizing spending or finding savings, they’re proposing yet another tax hike at a time when families are already stretched thin.
Of the City’s $3.8 billion operating budget, just over 10% is being used for debt repayment!
Meanwhile, the capital budget continues to balloon.
Between 2023 and 2026, the City approved $9.4 billion in capital spending. Nearly 30% of the capital plan is financed through debt.
Rather than slowing down the pace of construction, moderating expectations, or realigning priorities, Administration is asking taxpayers to cover the cost - again.
And while Mayor Andrew Knack has promised a more transparent budgeting approach with monthly departmental updates and more public engagement, residents need more than transparency.
They need a Council that can say “no” to unsustainable spending and protect affordability.
If you believe a 6.4% tax increase is the wrong direction, now is the time to speak up.
Council is preparing to debate the budget in early December, and they need to hear from you before decisions are locked in.
Add your name to this petition and tell City Council you want:
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No new property tax increase for 2026
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Spending focused on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection
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Cuts to non-essential projects and a halt to bureaucratic expansion
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Responsible use of reserves to avoid future fiscal crises
Sign the petition now and tell Council to Lower Property Taxes:
Showing 1289 comments
I understand nearly 30% of the capital plan for 2026 is financed through debt. Do you think this is a wise idea? I don’t like that debt is being covered by property taxes. It’s an unnecessary cost and eventually you have to pay. When? I think the responsible thing is to pay off this debt, not by increasing property taxes but by living within our means and obviously this means illiminating expenses and even good programs to get to a balanced budget.
So, I do not approve a property tax increase when you have debt that needs to first be paid off. And the state of our economy is not forecasted to be better, meaning further debt or unpaid debt will be more painful to pay off going forward.
I also believe that the political offices and responsibilities have to demand that they legally must financially balance and not go into debt. That is a responsible way to conduct political office in my opinion. It holds the office in check.
Sincerely, as a property owner in Edmonton,
Deane Clark