Not Happy With Your Property Tax Assessment?
Here is what you can do.
First of all, let me state that the city assessors who I was in contact with were professional, cordial and very good at what they do. The problem is the system they must work in.
I got my tax assessment this year and like many, I was not happy with it. I have not had any work done to my circa 1977 trailer since 2019. The assessment value was $65,300, up from $53,900 last year. That is an increase of 18.9% in one year.
18.9% - How the hell did that happen?
Did I mention that I do not own the land underneath?
My late husband and I bought this trailer for $18,000 in 2014. I had no idea that we had made such a wonderful investment that has more than tripled in value in just 12 years.(Is there a sarcasm font yet?)
Meanwhile, another property I am part owner of increased in value by just 3% last year; the 3% increase includes the land. This building (excluding the land value) in the North Flats that has an actual foundation, an attic and a full basement is valued at about the same price as my 49 yo trailer. Yes the house is small and about 80 yo but like many other homes built in that era, is as solid as a rock and even has hardwood floors.
The City uses a Mass Appraisal approach, based on sales figures. This is mandated by the MGA - the City has no choice but to use this system.
Apparently, part of the reason my assessment went up so much more than the other property is because I live in a so-called better neighbourhood - a trailer park by Carry Drive.
There is a big difference between our neighbourhoods
North Flats property
A walkability score of 74/100
Close to the river
Close to services including police and fire
Close to downtown
Close to events
Lots and lots of trees, shaded streets
Quiet neighbourhood
Crestwood property (near Carry Drive)
A walkability score of 22/100
Not close to a damn thing except the bald-ass prairie and, depending on the day, either horseshit or bullshit blowing in from the Stampede grounds (I would rather have chickens next door).
Very few trees, streets not shaded
Back onto a busy, noisy road
Other areas in Crestwood are much much closer to services while I am on the outskirts.
Two City assessors came out and checked out my property at my request - they were cordial and professional, they explained everything very well. They answered my many questions and did adjust the assessment downward, but not by much. The improvements I have made over the past 12 years (windows, siding, flooring) were weighed against the depreciation - a more recent improvement would add more value than an older improvement.
I am still not happy with my revised assessment ( who is?) but the assessors did their job well; I cannot fault them at all.
The fault lies with how the city assesses the properties and divides the city into neighbourhoods (among other things, more about that in another article).
Here is information about your taxes and how you can appeal your assessment.
How your property tax bill works
Step 1 - The City figures out what your property is worth
This is called your assessment. The City looks at your home's size, age, location, and what similar homes sell for.
Step 2 - City Council sets the tax rate
Every spring, Council decides how much tax to charge per $1,000 of your home's value. This is called the mill rate.
Step 3 - The City multiplies your value × the tax rate
That equals your property tax bill.
Simple example using $100,000 home value:
Assuming the mill rate is 9.5505 mills (that's $9.5505 per $1,000 of home value)
$100,000 ÷ 1,000 = 100
100 × $9.5505 = $955.05 per year (about $80 per month)
What your taxes pay for
Your municipal tax dollars (the part the City controls) pay for:
Police and fire protection
Road repairs and snow clearing
Parks, pools, and recreation
Public transit
Your education tax dollars go to the Province for:
Building new schools
Reducing class sizes
Your Cypress View Foundation levy dollars go to the Cypress View Foundation for:
Affordable senior housing (rent-geared-to-income apartments)
Supportive living and 24-hour personal care
Facility operations (meals, housekeeping, amenities like dining areas and a library)
Important: The Province of Alberta increased the education tax by 8.7% in 2026 - an extra $500 million across the province.
That's not the City's fault.
For the average Medicine Hat home, the provincial education tax increase alone adds about $83 per year.
What if you think your assessment is too high?
You have the right to appeal, but you must act quickly.
First step - Talk to the Assessment Department (free)
Call 403-529-8114
Ask them to explain how they valued your home. Sometimes it's a simple data error (wrong square footage, etc.).
You can also request an in-person visit from an assessor
If you want someone to come look at your property, you can ask. Assessors regularly visit properties to:
Check new construction, renovations, or additions
See the condition of your home
Make sure their records are correct
An assessor will always:
Knock and introduce themselves
Show a City of Medicine Hat photo ID
Explain why they are there
To request an in-person visit, call the Assessment Department at 403-529-8114 .
Second step - File a formal complaint
If you're still not happy after talking to an assessor (or after an in-person visit), you can file a complaint with the Assessment Review Board.
You must file on or before May 6, 2026
Important: Your forms and fee must be received by May 6.
Key dates for 2026
February 27, 2026 Assessment notices mailed
April 20, 2026 City sets tax rate
May 6, 2026 Deadline to appeal your assessment
May 21, 2026 Property tax notices mailed
June 30, 2026 Property taxes due
What you CAN and CANNOT appeal
You CAN appeal
Your home's assessed value
Errors in your property data (size, age, etc.)
Unfair comparison to similar homes
You CANNOT appeal
The tax rate itself
Provincial education taxes
City policies or procedures (that is a different process entirely)
Do I still pay my taxes if I appeal?
Yes. Pay your taxes by June 30, 2026.
If you win your appeal, the City will refund you the difference.
If you don't pay, you could face penalties even if you win.
Where to get help or forms
Assessment Department (for assessment questions): 403-529-8114
Tax office (for payments): 403-529-8111
Email:tax@medicinehat.ca
In person: City Hall, main floor Assessment counter
A final note
The assessors who visit your home are following rules the City gives them. If you disagree with the rules, that's a separate conversation with City Council.
But if you disagree with your home's value, call 403-529-8114 to talk to an assessor or request an in-person visit. And if you still want to appeal, file by May 6, 2026.
And remember: When you see your total tax increase, a good portion of it this year is from the Province of Alberta increasing education taxes - not from the City of Medicine Hat.
