Blackfalds Town Council will consider reducing developers’ infrastructure fees today, Tuesday, September 15, which could help hold down prices for new homes in the fast-growing community north of Red Deer.
Council’s Standing Committee is meeting at 6 p.m. at the Civic Cultural Centre to debate three options for off-site levies, the charges developers pay to help cover water, sewer, roads, and community facilities. The town is weighing whether to keep the current draft rate of $135,933.86 per hectare, or cut fees by 25% to $131,439.79 per hectare, or by 50% to $126,945.72 per hectare.
Off-site levies are collected from developers to pay for infrastructure needed for new residential, commercial, and industrial development. Since 2021, the fees can also fund recreation facilities, fire halls, and libraries. The updated bylaw, first read by council on June 9, aims to modernize a framework last reviewed over a decade ago, with the average rate rising 4.19% per year.
Developers pushed back during a July 23 open house, arguing the proposed costs would slow development and hurt Blackfalds’ competitiveness. In response, administration added a fourth year to phase in increases: 70% of the full rate in 2027, 80% in 2028, 90% in 2029, and 100% in 2030. The three scenarios now before council reflect either no reduction or reductions of 25% or 50% to facility-related levies.
Residents could feel the impact on new housing prices. As of July 2026, the median list price for homes in Blackfalds was $419,900, with single-family detached homes at $509,900. Lower levies could help keep future homes more affordable as the community, one of Canada’s fastest-growing, continues to expand.
Civic Cultural Centre is located at 5018 Waghorn Street. The meeting is open to the public.
