Today, the town launched a campaign to try to distinguish between what portion of property tax notices are for the municipality and what amount is being collected on behalf of the province.
The collection of education property taxes has been a long-burning issue for Alberta municipalities, including Cochrane.
After tax notices hit the mail on May 31, it's not unusual for people to look at the bottom line and shake their fist at the town when they see a huge jump.
However, it’s not always the town’s fault—nor within its control.
The town has advised Cochrane property owners that the total education property tax contribution is increasing to $24.2 million from $19.5 million, representing a 24 per cent hike. Due to rising property values and new development in Cochrane, many residents will see an increase in the education portion of their property tax bill, according to a town news release.
“Because of this, municipalities across Alberta are generally facing higher education property tax requisitions in 2025 compared to 2024,” said Stacey Loe, executive director of Corporate Services. “The percentage of increase varies considerably depending on the type and location of the municipality, as well as the category of the property.”
This follows a one-year freeze in education property tax rates by the Alberta government in 2024.
There are three components listed on property tax notices issued by the town. In addition to municipal and education taxes, the town also collects a requisition from the Rocky View Foundation to support affordable housing for seniors in the region.
Education property tax dollars collected by municipalities are pooled by the province and distributed to public and separate school boards across Alberta on a per-student basis. These funds support key components of the education system, including teacher salaries, textbooks and classrooms.
The deadline for paying property taxes without incurring a late payment penalty is June 30.