Council Approves 0% Core Tax Rate Increase

On April 28, 2025, Council approved the 2025 Budget with a 0% core municipal tax rate increase. This was made possible by assessment values that were much greater than the estimate in the draft budget. Municipal budgeting is complex. To understand budget information shared by the Town, Lakers must first understand a little bit about the process. Council and administration are happy to teach Lakers about the process, and to answer all your questions.

What is a core municipal tax rate?

• Does not include:
  • Alberta School Foundation Fund (provincial education tax)
  • Seniors’ housing requisitions
  • Recreation and transportation levies set by the Town of Sylvan Lake
  • Set annually: Every year the core rate is set by the municipal council during budget approval
• Applies to all properties: Applied to both residential and non-residential property classes (often at different rates)
• Supports: Covers service costs such as roads, parks, fire protection, policing, administration, and other community services

Why are my taxes higher than the core rate?

• The core tax rate does not include the
  • Recreation or transportation levy
  • Education tax (set by the Province of Alberta and collected by the Town)
  • Sylvan Lake Seniors Lodge Tax (set by the Lodge foundation and collected by the Town)
• View the breakdown here

Why do we use core tax rate increases instead of giving a total rate increase for everything?

• The core tax rate is where we make sure we have enough money to cover the basic costs of operating services for Sylvan Lake
• It’s the easiest way for us to show Lakers exactly what changed, that is within our control
• Because the Town only collects, and does not set education or lodge tax, it’s important to separate them out

Questions?

• View a summary of changes and an explanation of assessed values
• 2025 property tax engagement is closed because the 2025 property tax bylaw is approved. You can send feedback about the 2025 Budget anytime here: sylvanlake.ca/contact
• 2026 property tax engagement is now open. Participate here: engage.sylvanlake.ca/2026-Budget
• Talk to Council in Person at a Chatting with Council event