How Should Alberta Value Pipelines, Power Lines, and Industrial Property for Taxes?
Official title: Assessment Model Review engagement
Alberta is updating how it calculates property taxes for pipelines, power lines, railways, wells, and industrial equipment. These properties rarely sell on the open market, so the government sets special rules to value them. The goal? Fairer assessments for both municipalities and property owners.
Why This Matters
Live in a town that depends on oil and gas revenue? This affects your local services. Property tax assessments on pipelines and wells help fund schools, roads, and emergency services in rural Alberta. If assessments change, your municipality's budget could shift too.
What Could Change
Starting in 2025, Alberta is using a new method to calculate yearly property value adjustments for regulated properties. Over the next few years, assessment models for telecom, railways, power systems, pipelines, and wells will all be updated. This could shift how much tax different industries pay—and how much money flows to municipalities.
Key Issues
- How should yearly property value adjustments be calculated for regulated properties?
- What rules should govern how construction costs are reported and assessed?
- How should assessment shifts be implemented to minimize disruption?
How to Participate
- Review the AMR infographic to understand the review process and timeline.
- Read the AYM Fact Sheet to learn about the new methodology for calculating Assessment Year Modifiers.
- Contact Municipal Affairs at ma.amr@gov.ab.ca with questions or concerns about the review.