- City Council approved the 2026 Municipal Property Tax Bylaw on April 28, with a direct tie-in to the 2023-2026 City of Lethbridge Operating Budget, approved by the previous City Council in November 2022
- The 2023-2026 budget included a 5.1 per cent increase per year for each of the four years
- For 2026, that will equate to an additional $147 for the average single-family residential property
- With zero per cent increases in 2020, 2021 and 2022, the average increase for the last eight years (2019-2026, the last two Operating Budget cycles) is 2.8 per cent per year
- Want to view your property tax history? Go to Lethbridge.ca/MyCity
Explaining property tax, assessment changes for 2026
After receiving their tax notice recently, Lethbridge residents may be wondering what changes have impacted their property taxes this year.
Between the City of Lethbridge Municipal Property Tax, the Provincial Education Property Tax, as well as the Green Acres Foundation tax, Lethbridge residential property owners are looking at a $267 property tax increase (for the average single-family residential property) in 2026.
On 2026 tax notices, based on an in-house modification, the City has aimed to improve clarity by distinguishing between Municipal levies (Property Tax to the City) and requisition amounts (Property Tax to the Province and Property Tax to Green Acres).
What is the 2026 increase for my City of Lethbridge Municipal Property Taxes?
Why has my assessment gone up again this year?
- Municipalities are required to reassess all properties annually. Your property assessment is an estimate of the price your property may have sold for on the open market, as of July 1 of the previous year
- A range of sale prices results when similar properties are sold during the same time frame. Assessed values reflect the sales in the middle of this range of prices. That is why your assessed value may be higher or lower than the price you purchased your home for
- Property assessment notices were sent out in the first week of January
- The customer review period ended on March 13, however, if you still have questions about your property assessment, they can be directed to Assessment staff through 311, or by email at assessment@lethbridge.ca
- To learn more about property assessments in Lethbridge, visit www.lethbridge.ca/assessment
- Want to see other property assessments within the city? Visit gis.lethbridge.ca/propertyinfo
- The money raised from property taxes is vital for maintaining and enhancing our municipal services. These services include policing and fire protection, emergency rescue and ambulance, infrastructure and roadways, transit and community services to help all residents. By keeping the services operational, we support a thriving and resilient community for all residents
- A further breakdown of services and tax support is detailed in the 2026 tax brochure
What is the 2026 increase for my Provincial Education Property Tax?
- The Alberta 2026 Budget had an increase in the Provincial Education Property Tax rate
- For Lethbridge, the amount rose by 12.9 per cent – meaning an increase of about $115 for the average single-family residential property. This is compared to a 6.1 per cent increase in 2024, followed by a 13.8 per cent increase in 2025
- The increase is not set by the Municipality. School funding and construction fall under Provincial jurisdiction and are not within the City’s responsibility. Through the Municipal Government Act, the City of Lethbridge is legislated to collect and remit the education tax on behalf of the Province of Alberta and has no control over the amount
- Education property taxes are pooled in the Alberta School Foundation Fund and distributed to public and separate school boards on an equal per-student basis
What is the 2026 increase for the Green Acres Foundation?
- Green Acres has a five per cent increase for 2026, which equals about $5 for the average single-family residential property. This is up from a 4.1 per cent increase in 2025 and a 4.5 per cent increase in 2024
- The Green Acres Foundation is a provincial non-profit housing management body. This tax funds the operations of their seniors’ facilities and support services. The budget is set by the Green Acres Foundation, not the City of Lethbridge
To further help understand your property taxes, please see the updated Taxes 101 video.
More information on Property Taxes can be found on the City’s website.
On June 10-11, Council will deliberate for the 2027 Operating Budget – planned to be a stub year added to the existing four-year timeline. In late 2027, City Council will deliberate on a four-year Operating Budget for 2028-2031.
For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.