Thursday, September 4, 2025
  • Login
Forbes 40under40
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Forbes 40under40
No Result
View All Result
Home Money

HILL, THOMPSON: Most Alberta municipalities spending more

by Riah Marton
in Money
HILL, THOMPSON: Most Alberta municipalities spending more
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Breadcrumb Trail Links

  1. News
  2. Alberta
  3. Calgary
  4. Opinion
  5. Columnists

no two municipalities are exactly alike. They all make different policy choices about which services to fund and how to fund them. But the sheer size of these differences across Alberta, and the overall upward trend in spending, should grab the attention of Albertans.

Published Aug 20, 2025  •  Last updated 3 days ago  •  2 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Photo by File Photo /Getty Images

Article content

In Alberta, municipal government spending is on the rise — and not just because of higher prices or a growing population. Indeed, most of Alberta’s largest municipal governments have increased spending in recent years (even after adjusting for inflation and population growth). That means higher taxes for many Albertans. But depending on where you live, you might be paying much more than your neighbours.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Calgary Sun

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account and fewer ads.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

or

Article content

From 2009 to 2023 (the latest year of available data), per-person spending across Alberta’s largest municipalities increased by 12.9% (on average), climbing from $3,001 to $3,389 (inflation-adjusted).

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

Varied spending

Some governments have increased spending more sharply than others. For example, during that same 15-year period, local governments in Canmore, Grande Prairie County and Strathcona County all increased their per-person spending by more than 20% to reach more than $4,000 per person. And Lethbridge, the province’s fourth-most populous city, increased per-person spending by 18.6% to reach $4,423. (Again, all numbers adjusted for inflation.)

But not all municipalities share this approach to spending. Alberta’s two largest cities, Calgary (2.1%) and Edmonton (4.8%) saw relatively modest spending increases from 2009 to 2023. As a result, their 2023 per-person spending levels ($3,144 and $3,241, respectively) were around the middle of the pack.

opening envelope

Calgary Sun Headline News

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Thanks for signing up!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Calgary Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane — all fast-growing communities near Calgary — each spent under $2,200 per person in 2023. And all three reduced their per-person spending. (after adjusting for inflation).

Read More

Of course, no two municipalities are exactly alike. They all make different policy choices about which services to fund and how to fund them. But the sheer size of these differences across Alberta — and the overall upward trend in spending — should grab the attention of Albertans.

Local governments have an enormous impact on the day-to-day lives of Albertans. They build local water infrastructure, maintain local roads, manage local parks and set municipal property tax rates. And yet, their budgets often receive far less public scrutiny than their provincial or federal counterparts.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Are we getting value?

Moreover, when municipal spending grows faster than population and inflation, year after year, it raises important questions about value, sustainability and accountability. Albertans in high-spending municipalities are right to ask: Has additional spending translated into better services? Or are costs rising without clear public benefit?

Municipalities need resources to function well, but they also should use those resources wisely. Albertans should pay attention to what their local government representatives spend — and how spending levels compare across the province — to help assess whether they’re getting good value for their tax dollars.

Tegan Hill and Austin Thompson are analysts at the Fraser Institute.

Article content

Share this article in your social network

Tags: AlbertaHillmunicipalitiesSpendingThompson
Riah Marton

Riah Marton

I'm Riah Marton, a dynamic journalist for Forbes40under40. I specialize in profiling emerging leaders and innovators, bringing their stories to life with compelling storytelling and keen analysis. I am dedicated to spotlighting tomorrow's influential figures.

Next Post
Calgary Sun Letters to the Editor for Thursday, August 21, 2025

Calgary Sun Letters to the Editor for Thursday, August 21, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Forbes 40under40 stands as a distinguished platform revered for its commitment to honoring and applauding the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals who have yet to reach the age of 40. This esteemed initiative serves as a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting trailblazers across various industries and domains, showcasing their innovation, leadership, and impact on a global scale.

 
 
 
 

NEWS

  • Forbes Magazine
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Money
  • Leadership
  • Real Estate
  • Lifestyle
Instagram Facebook Youtube

© 2024 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle

© 2024 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In