Taxpayers in Chestermere are facing a whopping 53 percent hike on the education portion of their property tax thanks to last week's provincial budget.
The province has eliminated a 13 year old tax break that protected growing communities from major education and property tax hikes.
Cutting the program means sudden, major tax increases for all homeowners in the town east of Calgary.
The province says it's time to level the playing field but residents in Chestermere say the program could have been phased out to ease the shock for taxpayers.
“Do we disagree that Chestermerians should pay the same as every other Albertan? No. We firmly believe that all Albertan’s should pay the same to cover the cost of education. We understand that. What we’re saying is you need to notify people when a 13 year program is coming to an end so they can set up their budgets appropriately,” said Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews.
For homeowners in Chestermere, the increase equates to about $400 for this year.
The taxes will come due this summer, so it is a quick turn around for some homeowners to come up with that cash.
“We have our budgets and that's a lot of money all at once. Like, where's it going to come from? Do I have to drop my son's piano lessons? Do I have to drop my other son's cub scouts?” said resident Tiziana Gabert.
Several Alberta municipalities will also be seeing an adjustment in this area.
Airdrie homeowners will be looking at an increase of 21 percent which will be about $80.
Calgary residents will see the opposite happening and will see a $40 decrease in the education portion of their property taxes.
(With files from Rylee Carlson)
