Council passes 2025 Property Tax Bylaw, with no municipal tax rate increases

A line of houses in the suburb of Gregoire, in Fort McMurray, Alta. in the summer.

RMWB Council approved the 2025 Property Tax Rate Bylaw at their April 22 meeting.

While Council did not raise any municipal property tax rates this year, the Province has decided there will be an education tax rate hike of 21% for residential properties in Wood Buffalo, and 15% for non-residential properties.

Property taxes support the municipal services and projects included in the approved operating and capital budgets. The property tax rate is a proportion of the assessed value of a home or business that is paid to the Municipality annually.

Council approves 2.65% decrease in rural service area tax rates

Council passed an amendment by Coun. Stella Lavallee to lower the proposed rural residential and non-residential property tax rates by 2.65%.

Property tax rate bylaw highlights

The Property Tax Bylaw allows the Municipality to maintain some of the lowest tax rates in Alberta.

Since 2016, an ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and cost savings has resulted in a $261M reduction in property tax revenue. This year, the Municipality is expected to collect just over $505M in municipal property taxes.

Provincial education tax rate increasing 21% for residential properties

The Municipality also collects approximately $80M in education taxes on behalf of the Province. Provincial legislation requires that schools receive funding through property taxes. All property owners are required to contribute, whether or not they have children attending school.

This year the Province has raised the education budget, requiring a 21% increase in the education tax rate for residential properties and a 15% increase for non-residential properties in our Municipality.

Watch for notices in the mail next month

The deadline to pay property taxes is Monday, June 30, 2025. Late payment penalties will be applied to any outstanding balance of property taxes after that date.

Programs such as the Tax Instalment Payment Plan and the Rural Small Business Tax Class are designed to support residents in managing their tax situation.

To learn more about these programs, tax rates, notices, payment options and more, visit rmwb.ca/taxes. Residents may also contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663.

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