Municipalities require a source of revenue to maintain infrastructure and provide services. For all municipalities in Alberta, property taxes are the largest source of revenue. Rural municipalities are highly dependent on property tax revenue from the industries operating within their boundaries, and much of the revenue collected is used to maintain the roads, bridges and other services that industry relies on. It is critical that property assessments are conducted transparently and objectively, and that both assessment values and tax rates ensure that all property owners pay their fair share for municipal services and infrastructure. The ability to set tax rates that meet local infrastructure and service delivery needs is a core aspect of municipal autonomy.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals wrote to the RMA announcing expanded tools to ensure payment of municipal taxes by the oil and gas sector The Minister of Energy and Minerals, Hon.
