Proposed Calgary budget adjustments would see 3.6% property tax increase

The city has proposed a 3.6% property tax increase in its 2025 budget adjustments, slightly lower than the previously projected 4.5% hike. Officials said this reduction was achieved by reallocating millions in investment income to cover part of the budget.

In September, city administrators had suggested that the tax increase might need to go up to address growth demands. However, on Tuesday, they confirmed they could keep the council-approved rate of 3.6%, made possible by additional investment income allocated to the operating budget.

"Since September, we've taken a close look at our investments and funding priorities, using strategies to find internal funding and efficiencies," stated Les Tochor, the city’s acting chief financial officer. "By reallocating investment income, we avoided the additional 0.9% increase proposed in September, holding the 2025 increase to 3.6%."

Under this proposal, condo owners would see the largest percentage increase, with those owning a typical $360,000 condo paying $1,370, a 10.5% rise. The city also plans to increase user fees for waste, recycling, and water services to support infrastructure needs.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the higher-than-expected starting point for the budget debate. On Tuesday, Calgary’s chief administrative officer, David Duckworth, acknowledged that the proposed budget adjustments aim to reflect resident priorities. "Mayor Gondek, thank you for pushing my team and me to refine our recommendations," he told council.

For a typical single-family home valued at $700,000 in 2025 with average water use, the owner would see an estimated monthly increase of $8.37 in property tax and $5.09 in waste, recycling, and water utilities.

City council will start its annual budget discussions on November 18.