Lower Property Taxes
Airdrie residents are facing another tax increase.
The City’s proposed 2026 budget starts with a 6.6% property tax hike, built on a “Growth Plus Inflation” model that automatically increases spending each year to match population growth and rising costs.
City staff say this approach keeps services consistent, but really it locks in ever-expanding government spending and removes any real pressure to find efficiencies.
The City is also spending more on non-core initiatives that go far beyond roads, policing, and fire protection, and using reserves to pay for it all.
Airdrie’s Tax Stabilization Reserve is projected to plummet from $28.9 million in 2026 to just $955,000 by 2030 - an unsustainable drawdown that leaves little room for economic downturns or emergencies.
The budget includes $11,000 for temporary and rotational art installations following the approval of a new Public Art Policy, $50,000 for a study on a possible Museum and Interpretive Centre, and $75,000 for a “Multi-Cultural Sector Engagement” project.
There’s also $35,000 to install public water fountains for people and pets, and a $130,000 increase for Family and Community Support Services to expand social programming.
The City is requesting $90,000 to hire a consultant to develop a Vision Zero Traffic Calming Policy aimed at reducing vehicle speeds in residential areas.
Another $75,000 is being allocated to update the Intermunicipal Development Plan after the dissolution of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, and $50,000 more is earmarked for contracted government relations support to enhance advocacy efforts with the province and Ottawa.
The Economic Development department is requesting $82,000 (half funded by taxes) for “enhanced entrepreneur supports” and a potential business incubator space, and another $70,000 (again, half tax-funded) for a new “Destination Management Framework” to boost tourism.
These initiatives extend City Hall’s reach further into areas that could easily be left to the private sector, and by relying on reserves to cover rising operational and debt costs, Airdrie is masking the true cost of government growth.
This year’s plan might smooth things over temporarily, but when those reserves are gone - and projections show they soon will be - residents will face a choice between massive tax hikes or deep service cuts.
If you think City Hall should tighten its belt instead of raising taxes by 6.6%, we need your support.
Council will debate the 2026 operating and capital budgets on November 24th, 26th, and 28th.
Add your name to this petition and tell City Council you want:
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No new property tax increase for 2026
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Spending focused on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection
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Cuts to non-essential projects and a halt to bureaucratic expansion
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Responsible use of reserves to avoid future fiscal crises
Sign the petition now and tell Council to Lower Property Taxes:
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Stay out of provincial & federal government areas, if we need more low housing, have those two governments lay out the funding and the municipal government manage the building of them. Cities should not be responsible for provincial and federal responsibilities. Sherm Airdrie AB.