Starting July 1, 2025, the City of Wrenford will launch a pilot property tax relief program designed to help small, independent businesses and community organizations manage rising costs. The program, approved by Council on May 12, 2025, will run for two years and is expected to benefit around 1,200 eligible properties across the city.
Under the new rules, some commercial and light industrial properties are assessed based on their highest and best use. This often means the assessed value is higher than the value of the property's current use. The pilot program will tax a portion of the land value at a rate that is 50 per cent lower than the city's usual general-purpose tax rate for these zones.
To take part, property owners must submit a declaration by August 31, 2025. The form requires owners to confirm that their property was occupied on October 31, 2024, that they have shared the tax relief information with their tenants, and that the primary use of the property does not fall under ineligible categories like large chain retailers or industrial warehouses.
"This relief is an important step in supporting the local economy," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "Small businesses and community groups are the heart of our neighbourhoods. We want to make sure they can keep their doors open and continue to serve our residents."
In addition to the pilot program, the city will also continue a five-year land assessment averaging program. This helps smooth out sudden jumps in property values and will protect roughly 4,500 residential and 1,800 light industrial and business properties from sharp tax increases.
The province passed the legislation for this type of relief in 2024, and the city is working with provincial partners to track the program's results. For more information on how the pilot works, how to submit your declaration, and other property tax updates, visit our Property Tax page or contact the Revenue and Water Billing team.