Edmonton city council approved next year’s property tax increase on Thursday.
After four days of deliberations, and some contention ahead of the final vote, council passed a 6.1-per-cent increase for 2025.
That equals about $200 more for the average homeowner.
City council acknowledged that another large tax increase next year, after this past year’s 8.9-per-cent hike, will be challenging for residents.
“That’s really unaffordable, and that’s very, very hard to support,” said Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell.
“Even though I think we’re doing the right thing about addressing some of these structural deficits, it’s at a time where people are feeling a cumulative impact about affordability,” said Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack.
The city said provincial cuts, inflation and past spending decisions are all squeezing finances.
“We’re feeling the costs and consequences of provincial downloading and at the same time, Edmonton’s population has grown by more than 100,000 residents in just two years,” said Ward Métis Coun. Ashley …