Happy New Year from City Hall! Please see some important updates below.
Snow & Ice Control
Over the last several weeks many residents have expressed frustration with the City’s approach to snow clearing this season. Safe and timely winter maintenance is essential, and I recognize that expectations have not been met, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
This season, Edmonton has received almost double the snow compared to last season (72 cm versus 42.3 cm). In response to the warmer weather and the deterioration of the residential snow pack, City Administration declared a Phase 2 residential parking ban on Wednesday January 7th, and is expected to begin on Monday January 12, 2026 at 7am. The start of residential snow removal followed the completion of Phase 1, which focused on major roads. Crews were required to prioritize the removal of center stacks and windrows in Business Improvement Areas and other high-priority locations before proceeding to clearing residential roadways.
While the total duration of the City wide Phase 2 parking ban is two weeks, each neighbourhood will only be affected for approximately 72 hours. Service notifications specific to addresses within targeted neighbourhoods will be sent 24 hours prior to the start of clearing in that area. City Administration encourages Edmontonians to sign up for alerts as it remains the best way for residents to get timely, location-specific information. To view the status of snow removal taking place live, I would also like to encourage you to view this map, which shows the City’s snow removal team in action.
I understand that many constituents have concerns regarding high property taxes and current service levels for snow removal. As the City enters four-year budget discussions this November and December, please be assured that evaluating and improving these service levels will be a priority for me.
In addition, a discussion is currently scheduled for August, during which Council will review the previous winter season alongside the scheduled Snow and Ice Policy review. Please be assured that I intend to question Administration closely regarding the data presented and residential snow removal efforts.
I will continue to monitor snow clearing closely, as I recognize how critical this service is.
Property Tax Assessment Mailout & Deadline to Appeal
In December 2025 Council approved a property tax increase of 6.9% for 2026. This covers the portion of taxes for City Operations. The amount of tax required for education taxes is set by the Province in its Spring budget. For 2026, final tax assessments are expected to be set in April.
Following extensive deliberation, I voted against the proposed budget and the associated tax increase of 6.9% as my ultimate goal was to reduce the proposed tax increase.
The City of Edmonton mailed property assessment notices on January 12th. I encourage you to verify its accuracy by taking the following steps:
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Review the details on your assessment notice.
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Check what makes up your property’s assessment value and compare it with similar properties in your neighbourhood using the tools on edmonton.ca/assessment.
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Contact the City for one-on-one support by calling 311(780-442-5311, if outside Edmonton). An assessor can answer most assessment-related questions with no formal complaint fees required.
If you disagree with your property's assessment, you have until 4:30 pm on March 23, 2026, to file a formal complaint with the Assessment Review Board. You can file online at arb.edmonton.ca, in person or by mail to Clerk of the Assessment Review Board, Main Floor, Churchill Building, 10019 103 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB TSJ 0G9. Your actual tax notice will be mailed to you in May, but it will be too late to challenge your tax bill in May.
Looking Ahead in 2026
With my first 2 months of Council down, I’m very much looking forward to what 2026 will bring as I continue to represent Ward pihêsiwin. This year, I’m excited to continue doing regular community meetings in the Ward, which will be a great opportunity for you to share your questions and concerns with me. More to come in the coming months!
Sincerely,
Mike Elliott