Lacombe County council has approved the 2026 tax rate bylaw, setting municipal tax rates for the upcoming year and enabling the issuance of 2026 property tax notices. These changes reflect council’s continued focus on balancing affordability for residents with the need to fund essential services and infrastructure.

For 2026, Lacombe County has:

• reduced the residential municipal tax rate by 3.35 per cent to offset ongoing market rate increases,

• increased the farmland municipal tax rate by five per cent after many years of minimal tax increases,

• maintained the municipal non-residential and machinery and equipment tax rates at 2025 levels.

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“The 2026 tax rate bylaw reflects council’s commitment to responsible budgeting and thoughtful adjustments,” said Lacombe County Reeve John Ireland. “While we were able to reduce the county’s residential tax rate, many residents will still notice an increase on their overall tax bill due to significant increases in provincial requisitions.”

Understanding the 2026 tax rates, property taxes collected by Lacombe County include several components. In addition to the county’s municipal levy, the county collects taxes on behalf of:

• the Alberta School Foundation Fund,

• the Provincial RCMP Policing Levy,

• the Lacombe Foundation, which supports seniors' and affordable housing.

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Although Lacombe County reduced its residential municipal tax rate for 2026, overall residential property taxes are increasing, primarily due to factors outside the county’s control.

The Alberta School Foundation Fund requisition increased significantly in 2026, resulting in an increase of approximately $173 for a typical residential property.

The Provincial RCMP Policing Levy increased as part of a provincially announced multi-year funding adjustment. For a typical residential property, the police levy increased from $59 to $83, a $24 increase.

Combined, these increases offset reductions in the county and Lacombe Foundation tax rates.

Overall, the combined residential tax rate increased by 4.79 per cent, from 5.2926 to 5.5460. When assessment growth is also considered, the typical residential property in Lacombe County may see an average tax increase of approximately $209 in 2026.

Municipal Budget and Levy

The total 2026 Lacombe County municipal tax levy is $39.6 million, an increase of approximately 2.51 per cent from 2025. This increase reflects approved budget adjustments and updated financial estimates since the 2026 budget was approved last fall.

Council-approved changes contributing to the final tax rate include:

• adjustments to operating costs and contributions from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve,

• the addition of a new grader division in Lacombe County,

• the removal of the budgeted one-time contribution to the Water and Wastewater Reserve due to lower-than-anticipated industrial assessment growth.

  
  

Municipal tax dollars support a wide range of county services, including road maintenance, fire services, parks and recreation facilities, agricultural services, planning and development, and public safety initiatives.

Payment and Support Programs

Property tax notices will be mailed in early May, with taxes due no later than Aug. 31, 2026.

Senior homeowners who may need assistance are encouraged to explore the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, which allows eligible seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan administered by the Government of Alberta (information is available at http://www.seniorshousing.alberta.ca/seniors/property-tax-deferral.html).

A Forward-Looking Approach

Lacombe County’s approach to the 2026 tax rates reflects a thoughtful balance between supporting a growing community, responding to changing market conditions, and ensuring continued delivery of essential public services. Through careful financial planning and targeted adjustments, the county remains focused on fiscal responsibility while creating a stable environment for residents and businesses.

“Council continues to take a measured and strategic approach to taxation,” said County Manager Tim Timmons.

“By carefully managing costs and adjusting municipal tax rates where appropriate, we are stewarding taxpayer dollars responsibly while maintaining the services and infrastructure our community relies on today and into the future.”

Residents and businesses play a vital role in sustaining the services that contribute to Lacombe County’s strong quality of life. With strategic resource allocation and long-term planning, the county is well-positioned to support community well-being, economic resilience, and future growth.

More information about the 2026 budget, tax rates, and assessment process is available at www.lacombecounty.com/budget.