Lower Property Taxes
Red Deer residents are facing another property tax increase.
The City’s proposed 2026 budget starts with a 7.36% property tax hike.
City staff say this increase is necessary to cover rising RCMP costs, staff wages and benefits, inflation, and to replenish reserves.
The budget also relies on reserves to help cover costs.
Operating reserves would, however, receive a $10 million contribution to bring it closer to a $25 million target, but debt is already at 68% of the City’s self-imposed 75% limit under the Municipal Government Act, constraining future major capital projects and putting long-term fiscal stability at risk.
The proposed $484.5 million operating and $63.9 million capital budgets claim to focus on maintaining essential services and investing in infrastructure, systems, and personnel, but residents are being asked to pay one of the largest property tax increases in recent years - second only to the 2025 hike of 10.35%.
This plan might smooth things over temporarily, but if high tax increases continue, residents will face further financial pressure or risk cuts to critical services in the future.
If you think City Hall should focus on efficiency and responsible spending rather than imposing a tax hike, we need your support.
Council will debate the budget beginning December 8th.
Add your name to this petition and tell City Council you want:
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No new property tax increase for 2026
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Spending focused on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection
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Cuts to non-essential projects and a halt to bureaucratic expansion
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Responsible use of reserves to avoid future fiscal crises
Sign the petition now and tell Council to Lower Property Taxes:
Showing 194 comments
Police and Fire YES
It really does seem that City Hall is not listening to what the people of Red Deer want.
I am learning…call me a slower learner if you wish, but it seems what most of you said during election time is not what is going on now. I call it talking out of both sides of your mouth to get you elected then you don’t follow thru.