Property owners will see a significant increase in their property tax bills this year.
According to the Town of Strathmore, it's due to a rise in the provincial education property tax requisition in the 2025 Alberta Budget.
"The budget, released by Finance Minister Nate Horner on February 27, increases Strathmore’s total school tax requisition by 22 per cent, from $5,953,657 million in 2024 to $7,251,997 million in 2025," said a release from the town.
"The unexpected jump places additional financial strain on both residential and commercial property owners in the community."
Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule says homeowners will notice a 23 per cent jump in their education property taxes and commercial properties will see a 17 per cent increase.
"Council worked hard to keep our municipal tax increase in line with inflation while also rebuilding our reserves," said Fule.
"That’s why it’s frustrating to see the province shift such a significant education tax onto our residents—especially when we know that much of those funds don’t remain in our community.”
Town staff said the residential education requisition will increase from $4,757,855 in 2024 to $5,848,969 in 2025.
"Commercial property owners will also face higher costs, with their education levy rising from $1,195,802 million in 2024 to $1,403,028 million this year," said the town.
"For an average Strathmore residential property assessed at $491,800, the provincial education property tax will equate to an increase of almost $275 in property taxes."
According to the town, the provincial government determines how much each municipality has to collect from property owners for the public education system based on assessed property values.
The town explained that municipalities have to collect the taxes on behalf of the province. However, staff said they aren't able to set the rates run by the Alberta government.
