The Sylvan Lake Town Council approved a 2026 budget on March 11, 2026, that keeps the municipal tax rate at the same level as last year. While the town is not raising its portion of the tax, homeowners in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, will see their total tax bills go up due to provincial charges and higher property values.
The average property owner is expected to pay about $162 more this year. This is because the provincial government increased education taxes by 18.2 per cent and local property values rose by an average of 7.5 per cent. Town officials noted they do not have authority over these provincial charges or property valuations.
Even with the flat municipal rate, the town plans to spend money on several community projects. These include upgrades to the waterfront, security camera installations, water infrastructure enhancements, and renovations to public washrooms.
The town also plans to hire four new police officers to improve public safety. Additional staff will be brought on to help with garbage collection and keeping the lakefront clean for residents and visitors.