The Livability Tax Program is aimed at addressing our housing crisis. To date the period to submit housing declarations is complete, and council passed a budget setting the amount to collect, and where those funds will be spent. 

We have been served with an application for judicial review of the Division of Class 1 Property Bylaw, which allows properties used as a primary residence to qualify for a lower tax rate. The judicial review asks the court to declare the bylaw invalid.  

We will be responding and asking for an expedited hearing, to ensure that we are able to continue moving forward with implementation of the Livability Tax Program this year. While we respond to the judicial review, we will continue moving forward with implementation of the program.  

“This Council has taken bold steps to protect the very fabric of our community whether that be wildfire mitigations, fostering human-wildlife coexistence, emergency preparedness, or addressing our housing crisis through the Livability Tax Program.  

The Town of Canmore will vigorously defend the judicial review of the Division of Class 1 Property Bylaw, as the Livability Tax Program is in the best interests of the community as a whole.” 

 Mayor Sean Krausert