The Alberta Court of Appeal has officially dismissed a legal challenge against the Town of Canmore and its program that charges higher taxes on secondary homes. On March 12, 2026, the court confirmed that the town in Alberta has the legal authority to use these different tax rates to help manage local housing costs.
This decision ends a legal battle known as Ross v. Canmore, which questioned if the town could create special tax categories for properties that are not used as a primary residence. By upholding the program, the court has provided certainty for property owners regarding how taxes will be applied for the 2026 tax year.
Local officials developed the policy to address a long-standing housing crisis by encouraging more people to live in town full-time. The extra money collected from these taxes is intended to help fund the development of affordable housing for the community.
While the program is now legally protected, the town council is already preparing for potential changes to provincial laws. Administration is looking at ways to exempt certain Albertans from the higher tax rate to stay in line with future directions from the provincial government.
