Listen Live

M.D. genuinely concerned by proposed assessment changes

The Municipal District of Bonnyville Council is voicing its profound concern over the proposed Alberta Government changes to the assessment model for oil wells, pipelines, and machinery and equipment.

The Province is considering changing how oil and gas property is assessed, from the current model of asset replacement value to a new model of market value. Under the four possible scenarios being considered, the M.D. would lose hundreds of millions of dollars in assessed value in oil and gas properties.

If approved, the assessment model changes would impact all residents and businesses in the M.D., either by significantly higher municipal taxes, reductions in services, or a combination of both. For example, the potential tax impact on a $500,000 assessed residential property would result in an additional $2,550 – $3,950 per year in property taxes should the residential assessment class cover the created deficit.

“If the M.D. was to shift this loss of tax revenue to our residential landowners, that would mean a 286 percent property tax increase for every residence in 2021,” says Reeve Greg Sawchuk. “We are about to lose 14 to 22 percent of our total tax revenue.”

Sawchuk says that while the M.D. can appreciate the province’s support of the energy sector, changes to the assessment model represent a step too far. “We’ll be forced to either cut important core services such as road building and maintenance, or pass on substantial tax increases to our landowners at a time when our residents are already feeling the pinch of a strained economy.”

Council is contacting the Premier of Alberta and government ministers to express its concerns in advance of the final decision, expected in late-August.

The M.D. is encouraging residents and business owners to share their views on this issue by contacting Premier Kenney and the following Ministers:

Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney

[email protected]

Minister of Municipal Affairs, Kaycee Madu

[email protected]

Minister of Energy, Sonya Savage

[email protected]

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall
News / Afternoon Host
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.

Cold Lake is set to go big for Canada Day with a full day of events

Cold Lake is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on July 1.

RCAF CF-18 to flyby Cold Lake on July 1

With the weather pitching in for Canada Day, expect the roar of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as two CF-18 Hornets will flyby at various times over Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Spruce Grove on July 1.

Woman airlifted to Edmonton after two-vehicle collision near Elk Point

A 78-year-old woman was airlifted to Edmonton in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision in the county of St. Paul on June 24. 

Town of St. Paul ready to host full day of Canada Day events

The town of St. Paul is getting ready for a packed Canada Day celebration on July 1, featuring activities, live entertainment, and a performance of Canadian fiddle music. 
- Advertisement -