Council approves 2017 tax rates

Lethbridge City Council has approved the property tax rates for 2017, which reflect an overall average increase of 2.5 per cent for a typical single-family home valued at $262,500. That translates to an average increase of $5.65 per month on their property tax bill.

For multi-family properties, there will be an overall average increase of 2.3 per cent this year, while commercial and industrial properties will see an overall average increase of 2.4 per cent.

Mayor Chris Spearman said it is a modest increase due to steady growth in the city and predictable market rates. As the city has a broader tax base, rates aren’t impacted as highly.

“One of the advantages of living in Lethbridge is the tax increases are progressive, but they can be managed,” he said. “We’ve been working to attract economic development. As we expand our non-residential base, that means lower taxes for everyone. That’s a strategy we’re actively following and we want to make sure Lethbridge is always seen as an attractive place to live, that costs in taxes are manageable, and that people can afford to live here.”

In 2016, there was also an overall average increase of 2.5 per cent for a typical single-family home. In comparison to previous years the increase is on the lower side, Spearman explained.

“We certainly recognize that people can’t afford to continue to pay significantly higher than inflation tax increases, so we’re trying to manage that as best as we can.”

The majority of funds collected through property taxes each year are used to provide public services that help keep the community safe and improve quality of life. Some of these services include police and fire protection, road maintenance, public transit, parks, libraries and arts and recreation facilities. In addition, a portion of property taxes also supports provincial education and seniors housing.

Tax time always brings questions from residents about how their property is assessed and how their tax rate is calculated, explained Spearman. As such, the City strives to ensure residents are informed and that information is easy to access.

Residential property tax notices will be mailed out May 17. Payments can be made without penalty up to the end of business on Friday, June 30.

Taxpayers can also receive an incentive discount by enrolling in the City’s convenient monthly Tax Installment Prepayment Plan (TIPP).

More information is available with annual tax statements from the Assessment and Taxation Department, or the city’s website at