Hay River property owners can now see what the 2026 tax year will cost them, after the Town of Hay River posted updated information on its website on June 10. The new rates show a 3.9 per cent overall increase in property tax revenue, which means most residents and businesses will pay more this year.
The rise breaks down differently depending on the type of property. Residential properties will see a 3.5 per cent increase, commercial and industrial properties will face a 3.9 per cent hike, and institutional properties will experience a 4.9 per cent jump. Town council approved the 2026 budget and these tax changes back on December 15, 2025.
The tax increase helps fund a $19.4 million capital budget for the year. Most of that money, about $13.6 million, comes from grants outside the community, while roughly $5.8 million is drawn from town reserves and debt. A major piece of that spending is a new water treatment plant, which got a $20.1 million federal boost through the Build Communities Strong Fund in April 2026. The town says its long-term list of capital projects is still short about $7.9 million every year, and big jobs like the water plant just aren’t possible without help from senior levels of government.
Residents with questions about their tax bills can reach out to Alysson Capulso at 867-874-6522 ext 213 or by email at [email protected]. The town also offers relief programs, including a 50 per cent exemption for seniors aged 65 and up and for people with disabilities. Anyone missing the payment deadline faces a 1.8 per cent penalty each month.
