Assessment 101: Review, Reach Out, Appeal

We know many landowners have questions about their property assessments for 2025. To help clear up some confusion, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions and outlined best practices and available next steps.

How does my assessment affect my property taxes?

Taxes and Assessment although related, are often confused.

'Assessment' is the process of assigning a dollar value to a property. This value is then used to calculate the amount of taxes owed. This value is calculated annually.

'Taxation' is the process of applying a tax rate to a property's assessed value. This determines the taxes payable. Tax rates are determined by council annually and available in the current Tax Rates Bylaw. The tax rate is also known as the ‘Mill Rate’.

Property Assessment x Tax Rate (Mill Rate) = Taxes Payable

Council then approves an annual budget to operate the municipality, and the revenue required is divided by the municipality’s assessment base.

What should I do when I receive my assessment notice?

Step 1: Review your assessment notice

Check the accuracy of your property details and search for comparable properties and sales in your area, to ensure your assessment is fair and equitable.

Step 2: Reach out to our assessors during the assessment complaint period

If you have any questions or comments about your assessment value, the process, or anything related to your assessment, please contact Compass Assessment at info@compassac.ca or call (780) 469-5552 for assistance.

Assessor can verify and confirm information about your property, share how your property assessment was determined, discuss variables that may have affected your property value, and explain what they need to verify or correct any inconsistencies. Please note, any confirmed inconsistencies will be corrected and your assessment notice adjusted accordingly. 

What if I can't reach an agreement with the Assessor?

If you are unable to come to a consensus about your property assessment, you may file a complaint with the Assessment Review Board (ARB). 

The ARB is an impartial tribunal that hears and resolves assessment complaints by property owners. A complaint may be filed no later than the final date noted on the front of your assessment notice.

A valid Assessment Complaint Form must be accompanied by the required filing fee of $50 for Residential or Farmland, indicated on the front of the assessment notice. Before filing your complaint with the ARB please speak to the Assessor, and they can provide you with a brief summary of the steps you will need to take.

If you choose to file a complaint, your hearing date will be provided to you by the ARB. It is suggested that you gather and prepare the evidence you wish to provide even before you have been given a hearing date. This is an important task as you will need to provide evidence which supports your determination that your assessment is incorrect.