FORT McMURRAY — Property owners across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo should begin receiving their 2026 assessment notices in the mail this week.
The notices were mailed Feb. 11 and outline the assessed value of each property for the 2026 tax year. Assessments are based on a market value date of July 1, 2025, and the physical condition of the property as of Dec. 31, 2025, in accordance with provincial legislation.
The assessed value shown on the notice is used to calculate property taxes once council approves the 2026 property tax rate bylaw. Property tax notices will be mailed in May.
Municipal officials are urging property owners to review their assessment carefully. Those who have questions or believe there is an error are encouraged to contact PULSE during the customer review period to speak with an assessor. If concerns cannot be resolved informally, a formal appeal may be filed with the Assessment Review Board.
The deadline to file an assessment appeal is April 20, 2026. Property tax bills themselves cannot be disputed, and appeals must relate to the assessed value shown on the notice.
The municipality also notes that designated industrial properties are assessed by the provincial assessor, not the municipality.
Revenue generated through property taxes will help fund the municipality’s recently approved $661 million budget for 2026. Council adopted the plan following several days of deliberations, allocating funding for municipal operations, infrastructure and reserve contributions.
The operating budget includes funding for emergency services, policing and bylaw enforcement, environmental services, roads and parks, as well as direct support for local non profit organizations. Capital funding is earmarked for projects such as flood mitigation, rural water and sewer servicing and design work for a fire hall and community space in Janvier.
Residents can find additional information about assessments and the appeal process on the municipal website or by contacting PULSE.
Comments