Cochrane property owners should expect an increase in taxes this year, as the Government of Alberta has announced a rise in education property tax rates.
Due to higher property values and continued development in Cochrane, many property owners will see an increase in the education portion of their tax bill.
“Cochrane’s total education property tax contribution is increasing from $19.5 million to $24.2 million, which represents a 24 per cent increase,” said Stacey Loe, executive director of corporate services. “Because of this, municipalities across Alberta are generally facing higher education property tax requisitions in 2025 compared to 2024, with the percentage of increase varying depending on the type and location of the municipality and the category of the property.”
The hike comes after a rate freeze for 2024.
According to the province’s 2024 fact sheet: “Education property tax revenue is expected to grow by $229 million in 2024–25. This revenue increase will help mitigate the cost pressures of rising enrolment in our schools and bring the proportion of education operating costs funded by the education property tax closer to historical levels.”
Each year, the Province of Alberta sets the education property tax requisition, which municipalities must collect from property owners. These funds are distributed to public and separate school boards across the province on a per-student basis and help support:
- Teacher salaries
- Textbooks
- Classroom equipment
In addition to municipal and education property taxes, property owners also contribute to seniors’ housing through property taxes directed to the Rocky View Foundation, which supports affordable housing in the region.
Here’s a breakdown of the property tax categories:
- Municipal property taxes: Support essential local services such as fire, police, roads, parks and community programs.
- Education property taxes: Collected on behalf of the Province to help fund Alberta’s K–12 education system.
- Seniors’ housing taxes: Help provide housing and services for seniors in the community.
To help residents better understand how their taxes might be affected, the Town of Cochrane offers an online Property Tax Estimator. To view your estimated breakdown for the upcoming year, visit: cochrane.ca/estimator
