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1. What if I cannot afford to pay for the local improvement levy?

Senior citizens who are local homeowners can apply to the government for tax relief as long as they have a minimum of 25 per cent equity in their home. Visit www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca for more information. All other tax payment options can be discussed if required, however, penalties will be applied in non-payment situations.

2. Will the completed work affect my future property assessments?

As you would expect improved road, sidewalk and curb and gutter in front of your home may make your property more valuable, but no, the assessed value of your property will not increase as a direct result of the local improvement.

3. What am I paying for with the local improvement tax?

Property owners in your area will be asked to contribute a percentage of the cost of roads and sidewalks only. The utility work is funded through the City of Wetaskiwin utility reserve.

4. Do all city residents have to pay for the local improvements?

The local improvement charge is only charged to properties that are deemed to benefit from the proposed reconstruction. Notices are only sent to the residents where a local improvement is being considered. There is a specific order of events which either the City or Residents initiate a local improvement. Please refer to the Local Improvement Process.

5. Why is this not covered by the infrastructure maintenance tax?

The Infrastructure Surcharge Reserve (received through property taxes) is limited to use for maintenance of existing road infrastructure (overlays), sidewalk infrastructure (spot repairs or connectors), trail and park systems (trail overlays or extensions and existing park routine rehabilitation) and building envelope projects. Policy #1807: Infrastructure Surcharge, does not differentiate between use for city-wide projects vs site specific locations.

6. Do I still have to pay the local improvement tax if I move?

No, the local improvement tax stays with the property and the remaining payments become the responsibility of the new owner, unless paid-out at the time of sale.

7. Do other communities have local improvement tax?

Yes, communities such as Ponoka, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Camrose, and Grande Prairie—to name a few—all use local improvement taxes. 

Below is some information the City of Wetaskiwin has collected regarding other communities that have local improvement plans.

Community	Utilities	Roads	Lanes	Sidewalks	Medians	Curbs & Gutters	Street Lights
Camrose	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	-
Calgary	-	-	✔	✔	✔	✔	-
Edmonton	-	-	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Grande Prairie	✔	-	✔	✔	✔	-	✔
Medicine Hat	✔	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	✔
Ponoka	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	-
Red Deer	✔	✔	✔	✔	-	-	✔
Wetaskiwin	-	✔	-	✔	-	✔	-

8. What can I do if I disagree with the classification of my road?

If you disagree with the road classification, please contact legislative services directly. They will explain how you can approach council to have your concerns heard.