the costs are much higher in calgary than in other cities in alberta.
based on the rro for the first eight months of 2023 and estimates for the rest of the year, the average cost for a homeowner in calgary is $261 this year, compared with $140 in lethbridge, $79 in edmonton and $78 in red deer. large commercial users will exceed $100,000 in calgary, compared with $34,000 in edmonton and lethbridge and $24,000 in red deer.
since 2018, local access fee charges for the average homeowner have increased by more than two-and-a-half times.
last year, the city collected $225.8 million in local access fees, $98 million more than budget estimates.
meaghon reid, executive director for vibrant communities calgary, applauded the mayor for taking this step.
“there’s very few items that are generally a municipal control when it comes to affordability factors, but this local access fee is,” she said. “i think it’s encouraging that we’re taking a look at what we can control to help calgarians out during this time.”
reid said the need for change will only grow as the colder months approach.
deborah yedlin, president and ceo of the calgary chamber of commerce, said local access fees are part of affordability concerns, which is front of mind for everyone.