At a special meeting of council today, council approved minor amendments to the Division of Class 1 Property Bylaw 2024-19 to align with a judicial review of the bylaw. In a victory for the Town of Canmore, the Court of King’s Bench upheld the Town’s authority to create subclasses of residential properties and allowed the Livability Tax Program to start in the 2026 tax year.

This bylaw was developed at the recommendation of the Livability Tax Force to help address Canmore’s housing crisis. It introduces a new tax subclass allowing for a different tax rate to be applied to properties not used by primary residents to encourage full-time residency while collecting additional revenue that will help us build 2,000 non-market homes needed by our community.

Council also passed amendments to the 2025 Livability Budget since no municipal taxes for the program will be collected this year. Investment in related program expenses in 2025 will be covered with a transfer from the Tax Stabilization Reserve. Other changes include canceling a series of capital projects that may return for consideration with the 2026 budget amendment process.

While there is a delay to the program start, over the long-term, the Livability Tax Program will help fund new affordable housing options while providing opportunities for those who want to put down roots and build a life in Canmore to make this place a hometown for generations to come.