Bill 28 and PTAS: Rural Municipalities Sound Off

Today on Municipal Affairs, we take a closer look at two issues shaping the future of local governance in Alberta: the Property Tax Accountability Strategy and Bill 28.

For years, rural municipalities across the province have been sounding the alarm over unpaid oil and gas property taxes — a growing problem that continues to strain municipal budgets, infrastructure planning, and the services residents rely on every day. The Property Tax Accountability Strategy, or PTAS, was created to bring municipalities, industry, regulators, and the province together to find solutions. But with the final report now complete, questions remain about implementation, accountability, and whether the province will move quickly enough to address the mounting tax arrears facing communities across Alberta.

At the same time, Bill 28 is advancing through the Legislature, proposing sweeping changes to the Municipal Government Act, the Libraries Act, and the Alberta Housing Act. Supporters say the legislation will streamline processes and create consistency across the province.

Critics, however, argue the bill marks a major shift in the balance of power between municipalities and the provincial government — expanding provincial oversight in areas traditionally managed at the local level, from planning and development to housing, taxation, governance, and public services.

So what do these changes mean for municipalities, especially rural Alberta? How could they impact local decision-making, accountability, and long-term sustainability? And what message are municipal leaders sending to the province as these changes move forward?

Joining us to discuss all of this and a bit more is Kara Westerlund, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

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