Calgary Committee Unanimously Approves Special Tax Levy for Enhanced Community Maintenance
In a unanimous decision that continues a 24-year tradition, Calgary's community development committee has endorsed a special tax bylaw, paving the way for enhanced landscaping and winter maintenance in 12 specific neighborhoods. The committee's Wednesday meeting saw full support for the measure, which allows community associations to self-fund improved services through additional property taxes beyond the city's standard 2026 budget allocations.
How the Special Levy System Works
The special tax levy serves as a crucial financial tool for communities that face limitations in generating funds due to title caveats. According to community parks initiatives lead Allison Fifield, this mechanism provides a sustainable funding source that contributes to the overall organizational framework of community partners. For a neighborhood to participate, its community association must either conduct a formal vote or submit a petition demonstrating that at least two-thirds of households willingly support the additional tax burden.
The city collects these funds through the standard property tax billing process before distributing them to the appropriate community associations. Each participating organization must then submit detailed documentation to the city, including annual budgets, expense ledgers, and proof of paid invoices, ensuring complete transparency in how the funds are allocated.
Twelve Communities Participating in 2026
The 2026 program will encompass 12 distinct Calgary neighborhoods, affecting a total of 26,845 properties. The additional tax revenue generated will amount to just over $1.78 million, with individual property contributions varying significantly based on the specific services each community receives.
The participating communities include:
- Christie Park
- Citadel
- Diamond Cove
- Douglas Glen
- Douglasdale
- Edgemont
- Hawkwood
- McKenzie Lake
- Patterson Hills
- Royal Oak Estates
- Valley Ridge
- Scenic Acres
Payment amounts range from $5.41 per property in McKenzie Lake to $225.11 in Royal Oak Estates, reflecting the different service levels and maintenance priorities across communities.
Enhanced Maintenance Services Provided
The additional funding enables communities to access enhanced maintenance services that typically include:
- Regular mowing and trimming of public green spaces
- Comprehensive litter pickup throughout neighborhoods
- Detailed upkeep of tree wells, shrubs, and flower beds
- Snow and ice control on community pathways
Fifield emphasized that McKenzie Lake's special levy specifically targets pathway snow and ice clearance, demonstrating how communities can tailor the program to address their unique needs. She warned committee members that failure to approve the bylaw would leave these 12 communities without funding for their planned 2026 work, potentially causing them to default on existing contractor agreements and jeopardizing their continued participation in the enhanced landscape maintenance program.
Additional Context and Program Scope
Beyond the 12 communities utilizing the special tax levy, Calgary has 16 additional neighborhoods that receive enhanced landscaping maintenance through alternative funding mechanisms. This broader program reflects the city's commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that improve local environments and quality of life.
The unanimous committee endorsement represents more than just bureaucratic approval—it signifies ongoing support for a system that empowers communities to take charge of their environmental maintenance while ensuring financial accountability and transparency. As Calgary continues to grow and evolve, such collaborative approaches between municipal government and community associations help maintain the city's reputation for well-kept neighborhoods and responsive local governance.
