Chestermere Approves Property Tax Increase for 2026

City council approved an increase aimed at supporting municipal services and preparing for continued growth.

The approved budget raises the residential municipal tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 3.5 per cent. According to information provided by the City of Chestermere, a home assessed at approximately $700,000 will see an increase of about $227 annually, which works out to roughly $19 per month.

City officials say the change reflects the realities of serving one of Alberta's fastest-growing communities. As new neighbourhoods are developed and population numbers continue to climb, demands on roads, parks, recreation facilities, emergency services, and municipal operations also increase.

Council members acknowledged that any tax increase comes at a time when many households continue to face higher living costs. However, they said maintaining existing service levels while planning for future community needs requires additional revenue.

Chestermere has experienced significant growth over the past decade, evolving from a small lakeside community into a city approaching 40,000 residents. That growth has brought new amenities and opportunities, but it has also increased pressure on infrastructure and municipal services.

Municipal officials noted that growth-related investments cannot always be covered entirely through development revenues and user fees. Existing infrastructure must be maintained, upgraded, and expanded as the community grows.

Despite the increase, city administration says Chestermere continues to have one of the lowest municipal property tax rates among municipalities in the Calgary region.

Residents should also remember that municipal governments collect education property taxes on behalf of the Province of Alberta. While those amounts appear on municipal tax notices, they are not retained by the City.

According to information released by the municipality, approximately 42 per cent of the total property tax bill for an average Chestermere household in 2026 will be directed to the provincial education requisition. For a typical homeowner, that amount is expected to total about $1,826.

Property taxes remain the primary source of revenue for municipalities across Alberta. The funds support a wide range of services including road maintenance, snow removal, parks, recreation facilities, planning and development services, community safety initiatives, and municipal administration.

The tax increase forms part of Chestermere's broader financial planning efforts as the city balances immediate operational requirements with longer-term infrastructure priorities. Growth-related projects, asset maintenance, and future capital investments continue to be major considerations during annual budget discussions.

City officials indicated that public engagement will remain an important part of future budgeting decisions. Residents are expected to have opportunities to provide feedback as council considers future spending priorities and investment strategies.

For homeowners, the impact of the increase will vary depending on individual property assessments. Property tax notices detailing the exact amount owing are expected to be distributed by the city later in the year.

As Chestermere continues to grow, council faces the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with the need to maintain services and invest in infrastructure that supports both current and future residents. The 2026 tax increase reflects that balancing act as the city plans for its next stage of development.