Lower Property Taxes
Medicine Hat residents are facing another significant property tax increase.
The proposed 2026 municipal budget includes a 5.6% hike at a time when many residents are already struggling with higher costs in everyday life.
City officials have also flagged a long-term concern that, without careful planning, Medicine Hat’s financial reserves could be depleted within eight years, even with the proposed tax increases.
To maintain the proposed service levels, the City plans to withdraw millions from reserves in 2026, and the City’s forecast projects reaching the 70% debt limit in just 6-7 years.
This would leave future Councils with fewer options, force residents to face much higher property taxes, and threaten the City’s ability to fund major projects, maintain essential services, and respond to unexpected expenses.
The 2026 budget also includes major capital and utility projects, including:
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Southside Recreation Centre and future aquatic facilities
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Saamis Solar energy project
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Stampede grandstand replacement
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Ongoing maintenance for arenas, airports, and electric utility systems
Council deliberations for the 2026 budget will take place in early December, meaning now is the time to make your voice heard!
Add your name to this petition and tell City Council you want:
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No new property tax increase for 2026
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Spending focused on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection
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Cuts to non-essential projects and a halt to bureaucratic expansion
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Responsible use of reserves to avoid future fiscal crises
Sign the petition now and tell Council to Lower Property Taxes:
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- Focus spending on essential services like roads, policing, and fire protection
- Make cuts to non-essential projects and halt bureaucratic expansion
- Use reserves responsibly to avoid future fiscal crises