Calgary, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Calgary city council to provide families with immediate property tax relief, which could include a month-long residential property tax holiday.

“Families are struggling to keep the lights on and Calgary councillors need to make things a little easier by providing immediate tax relief,” said Franco Terrazzano, Alberta Director for the CTF. “As an immediate first step, councillors could help families keep money in their pockets with initiatives such as providing a month-long property tax holiday.”

Based on 2018 municipal property tax revenues (most recent annual report), revenue projections in the 2019-22 city of Calgary budget and the recent municipal tax shift, the CTF estimates a month-long residential property tax holiday could cost the city about $84 million. Council could provide this holiday by using funds set aside in the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and for future capital projects:

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund: The city of Calgary currently has $76.5 million in this fund. This fund should be dissolved and redirected towards the property tax relief.

Arts Commons Expansion: According to LiveWire Calgary, the city has set aside $25 million for Phase One of the Arts Commons expansion. These funds, along with any other city money set aside for the Arts Commons expansion should be redirected for urgent tax relief.

Fieldhouse: The city approved $19.8 million in 2019 for planning and designing Foothills Athletic Park, which would include a new fieldhouse. The remaining funds, along with any other city money set aside for this project, should be redirected for urgent tax relief.

Green Line LRT: In January 2019 it was reported that the city expects to chip in $52 million annually towards the Green Line. This followed council’s 2017 approval to set aside $23.7 million each year for Green Line costs. City funds that have been set aside for the Green Line LRT should instead be redirected for urgent tax relief.

“The city’s number one priority should be making sure Calgary families are able to stay above water and weather this economic storm,” said Terrazzano. “That means prioritizing immediate relief for Calgarians above future nice-to-have projects and a fund that forces Calgary’s business community to pay for potential competitors.”