What’s the Latest: Calgary budget proposes 15% property tax increase in 2027
Calgary’s budget proposal includes a 15 per cent property tax increase for 2027, aimed at funding various city services and infrastructure projects. The proposed increases, part of a four-year budget plan, would result in an additional monthly cost of $53 for the typical residential property assessed at $688,000.
City officials expect property values in Calgary to decline slightly in 2027, with a projected drop of 2.5 per cent for single residential properties and 5.6 per cent for typical condos. The proposed budget will increase city debt from $4.2 billion in 2027 to $10 billion in 2030 to fund long-term infrastructure projects, including significant improvements to water utilities and the Green Line.
The proposed budget for Calgary, set to be deliberated by city council, includes a significant 15 per cent property tax increase in 2027, with potential total increases of 37 per cent over four years. City officials project a slight decline in property values, which they state will result in a reduced education property tax payment, offering savings of approximately $125 for the typical homeowner.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the proposed tax increases will impact different income brackets within the Calgary population.
Calgary budget proposes 15 per cent property tax increase for 2027
Calgary’s proposed budget for 2027 includes a 15 per cent increase in property taxes, the first year in a four-year plan that could ultimately raise city property taxes by 37 per cent. The budget highlights spending prioritising infrastructure and public safety, involving nearly $600 million in new expenditures, alongside a total of $4.4 billion earmarked for capital funding in key areas such as water, roads, and recreational facilities.
Besides the substantial tax increase, the proposed budget suggests additional financial burdens, including increased waste and recycling fees, as well as higher water bills, potentially raising monthly costs for the average residential property valued at $688,000 by around $53. In 2027, transit fares may rise by 3.8 per cent, with adult admission fees to leisure centres increasing by 3.1 per cent.
The proposed tax hike aims to support numerous investments, including $188 million for the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department, and $134 million for Calgary Transit. Additionally, the budget proposes a vast $21 billion in capital spending over the four years, including $13 billion for new infrastructure projects.
While the city’s debt is projected to increase from $4.2 billion in 2027 to $10 billion by 2030 to fund long-term infrastructure plans, officials cautioned that such growth could limit future funding flexibility. The budget document states, “more debt will increase the amount required for debt payments,” highlighting concerns about financial sustainability.
Property values are expected to decline slightly in 2027, with residential assessments projected to drop by 2.5 per cent. However, this decrease may lead to reduced education property taxes, as city officials forecast a 6.4 per cent reduction in provincial property taxes, translating to approximately $125 in savings for the typical homeowner next year.
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Interesting read, though I think there are some points that could have been explored further. Would love to see a follow-up on this topic.
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