Increased funding for libraries and airports and the implementation of a new tax on visitors are key concerns that Alberta’s cities and towns aim to address with the provincial government.
The Alberta Municipalities’ annual convention, scheduled for next week from Wednesday to Friday, will provide a platform for municipal representatives to discuss and vote on priority areas for advocacy efforts across the province.
During the convention, over a dozen resolutions will be deliberated, all offering solutions to challenges faced by municipalities in Alberta.
Support for Libraries
Gord Lawlor, recently elected as Stettler’s mayor, previously known as the “library guy” on the town council, emphasized the pressing need for updated library funding. Lawlor’s advocacy, supported by a resolution seconded by the City of Calgary, urges the province to adjust library funding to keep pace with inflation and population growth.
The resolution proposes an increase of $1.34 per person in the Public Library Board Operating Grants to address the funding gap that has persisted since 2016, failing to align with inflation rates. Despite the rising costs of maintaining library collections, funding levels remain stagnant, creating financial strain for libraries statewide.
We’re not looking for a gold-plated library card. The reality is we’re looking to just keep up.– Gord Lawlor, mayor of Stettler
Lawlor stressed the importance of sustainable funding to meet the increasing demands placed on libraries, which are expanding their services while grappling with escalating costs.
Tourism Tax Proposal
Amid plans to double visitor spending in the next decade, municipalities like Airdrie are advocating for the authority to levy a municipal accommodation tax on short-term visitors. This initiative, backed by Airdrie at the upcoming convention, mirrors similar successful policies in other provinces.
The proposed tax framework would enable municipalities to set tax rates on accommodations, generating significant revenue for local tourism initiatives. Proponents argue that such a tax could provide a stable income stream for tourism development, contributing to Alberta’s goal of growing its tourism economy to $25 billion by 2035.
While Alberta currently imposes a four percent tourism levy on accommodations, municipalities seek more consistent and substantial funding sources to support local tourism efforts.
Advocates believe that revenue from the accommodation tax could enhance both visitor experiences and community amenities, benefiting residents and tourists alike.
Simplified Tax Collection
Rocky Mountain House and Mayerthorpe municipalities are calling for a streamlined approach to education property tax collection, urging the provincial government to assume this responsibility. This move aims to enhance transparency in education funding allocation and reduce misconceptions about local tax levels.
The proposed change aligns with the province’s goal to increase education tax revenue to $3.6 billion by 2027-28, emphasizing the need for clarity and efficiency in tax collection processes.
Airport Infrastructure Improvement
Recognizing the deteriorating conditions of Alberta’s nearly 100 community airports, municipalities are advocating for increased funding through the Community Airport Program. The Town of Spirit River’s resolution highlights the inadequate funding levels hindering essential upgrades to airport infrastructure, critical for supporting emergency services and local air transportation.
Aside from these key issues, the convention will review additional resolutions addressing various concerns, including senior housing accessibility, electricity distribution cost disparities, midwifery services, and licensed child care funding shortages.