Taxes and Utilities
Did you know? Alberta has the lowest, and most simple, provincial tax rates – for business and individuals – in Canada.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Alberta has the most simple tax regime with a single tax rate for all Albertans, corporations and small business; no sales or payroll taxes or capital tax; and minimal taxes on fuel.
In 2009, the City of Lethbridge collected about $105 million in taxes from residents and businesses. Only 35 per cent will come from industrial and commercial operations. The total tax rate in 2009 for business is 19.928 mills.
For the County of Lethbridge, the 2008 mill rate for machinery and equipment is 7.2922 mills. Of the $19.4 million budget for the County, only $9.3 million came from taxes. The current assessed value of commercial and industrial sites in the County is in excess of $500 million.
In terms of utility costs, Lethbridge businesses already know we are lower than most other communities. According to the Competitive Alternatives report by KPMG, Lethbridge is ranked in the top five for lowest cost public utilities.
The City of Lethbridge’s Utility Services department provides a stable infrastructure for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Rate estimates can be provided upon request.
As an important hub in Alberta’s electrical transmission network, Lethbridge offers one of the most stable electrical transmission, distribution and service facilities in Western Canada. We have one of the lowest distribution tariffs in Alberta. New transmission lines are planned that will allow for further development of renewable energy sources. Connections to the U.S. market through the Montana-Alberta Transmission Line (MATL) will further support and integrate the continental electrical grid.
Within the city, the City of Lethbridge builds, operates and maintains all transmission, distribution and service facilities to the point of delivery. The customer is responsible for all downstream electrical facilities and equipment.
In Alberta, customers have a choice of electricity supplier. This means that customers can purchase the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) from the City of Lethbridge or from an alternate supplier. The RRO offers residential and small business consumers (under 250 Kwh per year) the opportunity to receive electricity at a regulated rate. More information on how Alberta’s electric system works is available at from the office of Utilities Consumer Advocate at www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.
Alberta’s history is built on the exploration and development of clean burning natural gas. An ample and stable supply with a deregulated market has kept gas prices lower. More information on Alberta’s natural gas system is available from the Utilities Consumer Advocate website at www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.
| International Utility Cost Comparison |
|
Worry-free and uninterrupted telecommunications capability provides businesses in and around Lethbridge with access to the world. Major wired, wireless and satellite carriers allow for the free movement of data.
The City of Lethbridge’s Water Treatment Plant is a modern facility and distribution system with a capacity of 150 million litres per day. Currently, the peak daily water demand on the plant is about 80% of that design capacity. Lethbridge’s drinking water consistently exceeds Federal and Provincial regulatory requirements due to filter performance providing less than 0.1 NTU of turbidity with a combination of ultraviolet light and chloramines disinfection. Lethbridge uses a declining block structure and the commercial charges.
The City of Lethbridge owns and operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. This plant provides full secondary treatment that exceeds Government of Alberta guidelines for downstream water quality. Wastewater effluent is also disinfected with ultraviolet light. The plant has the capacity to treat 49,000 cubic metres per day and currently treats approximately 14 million cubic metres per year.
- Residential rates are based on average water consumption during winter months
- Commercial rates are based on water consumption
- Industrial rates are based on sewage characteristics and mass loading
View the City of Lethbridge Water and Wastewater bylaw (pdf).
Contact the City of Lethbridge Utilities department at 320-3111 or email Doug Kaupp at dkaupp@lethbridge.ca for more detailed information.
The City of Lethbridge enjoys the benefits of separate wastewater and stormwater systems. Storm water management is legislated in Alberta by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Lethbridge is concerned about dealing with solid wastes. Non-hazardous waste can be hauled to the Lethbridge Regional Landfill, a licensed Class II landfill located approximately 10 kilometres from the industrial area, directly north on 43rd Street. Waste accepted by the Regional Landfill includes solid, semi-solid and contained fluid material.
Lethbridge has made great strides in encouraging recycling.
There are number of local contractors that deal with containerized collection services.
| Overall Index Scores, Provincial Tax Systems, 2008 |
|
| Provincial Corporate Income Tax Payable, 2008 |
|
| City of Lethbridge 2009 Tax Rate (Mills) |
|
| City of Lethbridge 2009 Tax Levy |
|
| Municipal Revenue Sources County of Lethbridge |
|
| County of Lethbridge Assessed Value by Category |
|
| County of Lethbridge 2009 Tax Rates (Mills) |
|
|
