June 2025
Transportation & Infrastructure
With over 2,400 kilometers of roadway, the MD of Taber is proud to maintain a transportation network that connects our communities, ensures children get to school safely, facilitates efficient movement of goods, and supports the backbone of our local economy.
Grading, gravelling, road recovery, and pavement patching are currently underway. However, increased vehicle sizes, higher traffic volumes, and the intensity of agricultural operations are placing unprecedented pressure on our infrastructure.
In response, Council has initiated several strategic measures, including the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, the use of floater graders, innovative gravel recovery practices, and the consideration of road use agreements to ensure long-term sustainability.
We ask all residents to contribute by:
- Driving at safe and appropriate speeds
- Complying with weight restrictions
- Respecting graders & construction crews
- Reporting road concerns online atmdtaber.ab.ca/p/service-tracker or by calling 403-223-3541
Agricultural Innovation
We extend our sincere thanks to Torrie Farms, Riverview Ranch & TNT Pollination, and Grand Forks Gravel for hosting members of our Agricultural Service Board. Their leadership and innovation exemplify the spirit of agricultural excellence in our region. The MD of Taber remains committed to understanding and supporting those who drive progress in our municipality.
Planning & Development
The pace of development within the MD of Taber continues to increase. To date, we have issued 70 development permit applications and 10 subdivision applications. The recently approved Land Use Bylaw No 2011 supports this growth bymodernizing the development application process, which is now available atmdtaber.ab.ca/p/development-documents.
Council continues to prioritize support for existing businesses while seeking opportunities to attract new investment. To learn more, please contact Economic Development Coordinator Rebecca Wieler, or visit our office.
Taxation & Growth
In 2025, the MD of Taber recorded a $111 Million increase in taxable assessment, with 80% attributed to new growth and 20% from increased value of existing properties. Council has carefully balanced capital and operational requirements to establish responsible mill rates:
- Residential: 3.0% decrease ($150,967.53 less than 2024)
- Non-residential: 0.61% decrease ($737,746.67 less than 2024)
- Farmland: 9.0% increase ($188,972.81 more than 2024)
Tax notices were mailed on May 8, including a detailed breakdown. Please note that increases due to the Provincial Education requisition, 2024 under-levy recovery, Police Funding, and the Taber and District Housing Foundation requisition are reflected in this year’s tax statements.
Outstanding Taxes
Unpaid property taxes remain a concern. In 2025, the MD of Taber has budgeted $700,000 for uncollected taxes—a burden borne by all taxpayers. Currently, 69% of all municipal tax revenue supports essential services including roads, emergency services, hamlets, and recreational infrastructure.
Municipal Lease Lands
The MD of Taber manages 81,535 acres of municipal lease lands, which generate approximately $2.1 Million annually to offset municipal costs for all residents. The lands are divided as follows:
- Grazing Leases:75,344 acres | 67 leaseholders
- Cultivation Leases:6,191 acres | 22 leaseholders
Council continues to evaluate the long-term management framework for these lands. A public meeting will be held on July 7 at 7:00 PM at the Main Operations & Maintenance Facility (Highway 3). Community input gathered through previous meetings, surveys, and presentations has been instrumental in shaping these discussions. Lease land is both an economic and environmental asset and must be managed with care, flexibility, and foresight.
Regional Fire Services Recruitment
The MD of Taber Regional Fire Services is actively recruiting. If you have an interest in serving your community through emergency response, we encourage you to reach out to our Regional Fire Chief, Nathan Coté. We offer sincere appreciation to our volunteer firefighters, their families, and employers. Their commitment ensures community safety and provides essential medical first response. To apply visit mdtaber.ab.ca/p/volunteer.
2025 Southern Alberta Summer Games
The Town of Taber and MD of Taber are honoured to co-host the 2025 Southern Alberta Summer Games, featuring 24 events —from track and field to photography and crib. We invite residents of all ages to participate as athletes, volunteers, or spectators.
To register or learn more, visitsouthernalbertasummergames.ca or contact the Regional Director, Allison Planger, at 403-915-6500.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health is just as vital as physical well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Support is available, including agriculture-specific services:
- FCSS Counselling:587-370-3728 | fcss.ca
- Alberta Farm Mental Health (AgKnow): domore.ag
- In emergencies: Call 9-1-1
2025 Municipal Election
The next municipal election will be held on October 20, 2025. If you are passionate about serving your community, we encourage you to consider running for office. For a comprehensive candidate package and all necessary forms visit mdtaber.ab.ca/p/2025-election.
Celebrate the Season
Summer is a time to connect and explore. Enjoy the parks in Enchant, mini-golf in Hays, the Grassy Lake Campground, local museums, and our vibrant libraries. Be sure to attend local events, rodeos, fundraisers, and Canada Day celebrations throughout the MD of Taber.
Congratulations to our neighbours, the Town of Taber, on your 120th anniversary — we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you! For a full list of events visit celebratetaber.ca.
