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Growth, Governance, and the Future Under Bill 28


We’re diving into a piece of legislation that could reshape the relationship between Alberta’s municipalities, homeowners, and the province itself: Bill 28.


Framed by the government as a move toward fairness, consistency, and efficiency, this bill touches on some of the most sensitive pressure points in local governance — how communities are run, how development happens, and, perhaps most importantly, how property is taxed.


At the heart of the conversation is a promise to standardize and modernize. Bill 28 proposes changes to municipal governance, including clearer expectations around codes of conduct for elected officials. It also introduces new reporting requirements for larger municipalities, aiming to shed more light on how development decisions are made and how long they take.


But it’s the proposed changes to property taxation that are already sparking debate. The bill would prohibit so-called vacancy-style taxes — including those used in places like Canmore — arguing that homeowners shouldn’t be penalized based on how often they use their property. The province says this is about fairness: similar homes, taxed in similar ways. Critics, however, question what it means for housing availability in high-demand communities.


There’s also a significant shift in how schools fit into the municipal landscape. Bill 28 would align charter schools with other publicly funded systems when it comes to accessing municipal and school reserve lands. It would also exempt charter and independent schools from off-site levies, with the goal of speeding up the development of new school infrastructure.


And then there’s development itself — a key theme running through this legislation. From clarifying what municipalities can charge in off-site levies, to enabling automated permitting tools and even creating a pathway for so-called “Automatic Yes” approvals, the province is signaling a push to remove barriers and accelerate growth. The bill would also give the Minister authority to establish community design codes, potentially reshaping how neighbourhoods are planned.


Supporters say these changes will reduce red tape, improve transparency, and make life more predictable for homeowners, builders, and families. Others worry about the implications for local autonomy and whether a one-size-fits-all approach can truly reflect the diverse needs of Alberta’s communities.


So what does Bill 28 really mean on the ground — for municipalities, for taxpayers, and for the future of development across the province?


Joining us tonight to unpack it all is ABMunis President Dylan Bressey.


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