December 4, 2015

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has called for the City of Edmonton to take the same measures that many businesses are being forced to take to sustain their operations, and strive for no increases in property taxes or operational spending in this year’s budget.

Today the Chamber released its first comments on the three-year operating budget approved yesterday by City Council. Chamber President & CEO Janet Riopel says a zero per cent increase should continue to be Council’s annual target until Edmonton’s economy improves.

Riopel appeared before City Council last month and pointed out that many businesses are hurting in the current economic downturn and feeling the weight of tax and fee increases from all levels of government.

The Edmonton Chamber believes that what’s needed is a pragmatic no-frills budget that focuses on delivering essential services more efficiently. The Chamber was not calling for cuts to city jobs or services, however its position is that the City should not increase staffing levels during this budget cycle.

“The Chamber is pleased to see that City Council has taken action to reduce some spending, resulting in tax increases that are lower than first projected,” she said. “A three-year budget cycle also gives businesses greater clarity that they can build into their longer range planning.”

However, the Chamber feels the Council still needs to do more to reduce the property tax load.

“We’re looking forward to working with Council on the City’s review of programs and services,” she said. “Ideally, this major review would have been completed before the current budgeting process, but it’s a positive step towards identifying future efficiencies.”

“The fact remains that we’re looking at an increase of close to 12 per cent in property taxes over the next three years. This will not be easy for businesses or families to absorb right now.”

Riopel says the City should continue to work with the provincial and federal governments, and the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, to pursue a new fiscal framework focused not on new taxes, but rather on transferring tax dollars already being paid to support the funding of operations and capital requirements.

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Jim Macdonald
Communications & Outreach Coordinator