-
Assessment Model Review
Beginning in January 2020, the Government of Alberta undertook a review of the assessment model for regulated oil and gas properties such as wells and pipelines. In addition to RMA, several municipal and industry stakeholders participated in the review.
According to the Government of Alberta, the review was intended to “modernize” the assessment model for oil and gas properties to enhance oil and gas industry competitiveness while ensuring municipal viability.
As of July 23, 2020, the Government of Alberta finalized potential recommended changes to the model and briefed relevant provincial ministers and decision-makers on the recommendations. RMA (and the other organizations involved in the review) now have an opportunity to advocate to those same ministers and decision-makers on the impacts of the recommended changes. This advocacy window is expected to last for approximately one month, and any changes will be implemented for the 2021 municipal fiscal year.
RMA is concerned with the impacts that each of the options will have on rural municipalities, and strongly believes that the assessment model is not the appropriate tool to support the oil and gas industry. RMA believes that there are a many alternative options that would better address industry competitiveness without compromising the ability of municipalities to provide services and remain viable.
Please view the resources below for more information on the review process and RMA’s concerns with the changes currently under consideration.
For local impacts, please contact municipalities directly.
For questions or more information, please contact Wyatt Skovron, RMA Senior Policy Advisor, at wyatt@RMAlberta.com.