Financial Sustainability
Protecting Our Financial Future
Rocky View County has Alberta's fifth largest assessment base, driven not only by commercial development in East Balzac but also because the average house price in Rocky View exceeds $1 million. This high-value base has helped the County maintain lower tax rates; however, residents still contribute heavily to the County's strong financial position, often receiving limited services in return.
The Government of Alberta has increased education property taxes by 14% in 2025, and is planning another 10% hike in 2026. all while the pressure on Councils to keep taxes low increases. This shift places a growing burden on municipalities and homeowners alike. While the County collects these taxes, they have no control over how they are allocated or spent. As your Councillor, I will continue to advocate for fairness and transparency, ensuring that Rocky View residents are not left paying more while receiving less. We must push back against policies that disproportionately affect our communities and work together to protect the financial sustainability of our County.
Smart Growth, Responsible Planning
As our region expands and new opportunities emerge, so do the pressures on our infrastructure and services. That is why I have championed fiscal impact assessments for major development proposals - to ensure Council understands both the costs and benefits before moving forward. I have also pushed to make sure that existing infrastructure is used intelligently, avoiding duplication and unnecessary spending.
Over the years, I have led efforts to improve financial transparency. Budget documents are now easier to understand, public input is actively sought and updated levies ensure development pays for itself. I strongly support user-pay models - those who use County services should cover the cost, not be subsidized by those who do not.
Smart Tools for Smart Decisions
To make fiscally responsible decisions, Council must have the right tools. That is why I support the continued development of a Service Delivery Model and an Asset Management Strategy. The Service Delivery Model will clearly define what services and sub-services the County provides and the costs of those services. The Asset Management Strategy will provide a financial plan to maintain, sustain and replace County assets.
If re-elected, I am committed to ensuring these tools guide council’s decision-making, so we protect taxpayer dollars and plan responsibly for the future.
On October 20th, vote Samanntha Wright for Division 4 Councillor, Rocky View County!