Jasper wildfire: City council to debate request for financial support from Alberta government
Jasper, Alberta, city council is set to discuss today whether to seek funding from the provincial government to offset reduced property tax revenues over the next three years.
The potential request comes as the city government is offering property tax relief for residents affected by a devastating wildfire in July.
A third of the city’s buildings were destroyed and the municipality estimates it lost access to $1.25 million in annual property tax revenue.
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Under the city’s proposal, all property owners would receive a one-month tax exemption while a mandatory evacuation order is in effect.
Homeowners whose homes or businesses were destroyed would have their remaining or unpaid bills for 2024 forgiven.
The proposal means Jasper would forgo more than $1.9 million in municipal property tax revenue this year, or about 17 per cent of its overall budget.
Heather Jenkins, press secretary for Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver, said the ministry would review the city’s request if it is received.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
