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
City should ensure that the roads are properly maintained, stop the construction of bicycle lanes (could share sidewalks with pedestrians) and stop the construction of future LRT projects.
The City has undertaken too much without proper planning. Has any thought been given to starting and completing one large project before undertaking another? The entire City is in one BIG MESS and never ever looked as bad as it now appears.
Weeds are out of control and there is no management to ensure that the boulevards and parks are properly maintained. Some areas appear to be well maintained, but others appear like we are living in a 3rd world country. Thistles are out of control and permitted to go to seed, thus spreading more within our communities.There is absolutely no excuse when you see how other communities are maintained outside of Edmonton. We cannot brag about our City’s appearance.
The City needs to have better restrictions on Developers. They seems to build anything anywhere without consideration of the existing properties within the community. Why would the City permit a contractor to build a 2 storey, 6-8 family apartment between 2 bungalows where there are no other huge structures even remotely close to the abortion that was constructed? They should be forced to demolish it immediately.
Why has the City permitted so many small Strip Centres to be developed on Ellerslie Road between 50 St. & 111 Street? Proper house development is much more important. No one needs a Strip Mall every 5-10 blocks apart or on every corner.
Thanks to our previous Mayors and their grandiose ideas.
The City that we all were proud of is no longer one we can “brag” about. It’s all one big mess – no proper planning. The majority of City Council lack experience and have a “Socialist” mentality.
Unfortunately, the majority of Council has been re-elected which is an indication that things will get worse.