Sylvan Lake Town Council has moved forward with its tax plan for the year, giving the first reading to the 2026 property tax rates bylaw during its meeting on April 14, 2026.
While the municipal portion of property taxes will see a zero percent increase for the second year in a row, many residents may still notice a change in their final tax bills. This is due to a 7.5 percent average increase in property assessments and a significant rise in the provincial education tax.
The provincial education tax requisition, which the town collects on behalf of the government to fund public schools, has increased by 18.2 percent. This shift means the average property owner in Sylvan Lake will pay approximately $162 more toward education taxes this year compared to 2025.
Additionally, the Sylvan Lake Foundation requisition has risen to $442,864 for 2026, up from $430,450 the previous year. Town administration has also proposed introducing a $100 minimum tax for all properties, a move permitted under the Municipal Government Act.
Property tax notices, which will combine these various costs, are expected to be mailed to residents near the end of May. All payments will be due by July 31, 2026.
In other municipal business, the town has scheduled a public hearing for a land use bylaw amendment. This session will take place on May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Government Building.
