About the Program:

Sylvan Lake’s Non‑Residential Tax Incentive Program, established by Bylaw 1930/2025, is designed to support economic growth by encouraging investment, development, and revitalization of commercial and industrial properties. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pre-Application Meeting
  2. Complete an application form and submit it with the initial supporting documents
  3. Submit post project supporting documents
  4. Property Assessment
  5. Incentive agreement Signed
  6. Ongoing Compliance

Eligibility

Property 

  • Property is assessed as non-residential under one of the following land use districts:
    • CW – Waterfront Commercial
    • MMU – Marina Mixed-Use
    • LF-DC – Lakefront Direct Control
    • I1 – Light Industrial
    • I2 – Heavy Industrial
  • Property is not a linear property (e.g., pipelines, telecom systems)

Project 

  • Project is a New Development or significant Addition/Expansion that:
    • Increased assessment by at least $250,000 (new development)
    • Increased assessment by at least $50,000 (addition/expansion)
  • Project commenced after the bylaw’s effective date
  • Project has a closed building permit
  • All municipal, provincial, and federal permits are in place and valid

 Ownership & Financial Standing

  • Applicant is the registered property owner or has provided authorization from the landowner
  • No tax arrears, utility debts, or other fees owing to the Town
  • No litigation or enforcement matters with the Town

Application Process

Reach out to invest@sylvanlake.ca to request a pre-application meeting

Frequently Asked Questions

A multi-year property tax incentive for non-residential properties (i.e., commercial, industrial, and institutional)

Enabled under amendments to Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, allowing municipalities to offer exemptions, reductions, or deferrals of municipal property taxes to support economic development.

The program supports a 5-year tax exemption period with a 75% reduction in the municipal tax portion of the tax bill for eligible properties. This exemption applies to the increased property assessment value related to the development and is designed to support both new construction and business expansions.

The primary beneficiaries of the non-residential tax incentive will be eligible industrial and commercial property owners in Sylvan Lake, specifically those undergoing new construction, additions, or expansion projects. By reducing their tax liabilities, businesses can allocate more resources towards development and operations, making their projects more financially viable and helping them achieve their growth and productivity goals faster.

In the case where the business is doing a qualifying expansion or a renovation on a leased space, the property owner must sign an MOU with the business owner outlining how the incentive will be used to benefit the business investing, and the Town will retain a copy as part of the project file.

The Town also benefits from the non-residential tax incentive through targeting investment that encourages a better balance between the residential and non-residential tax base.

CW – Waterfront Commercial

MMU – Marina Mixed-Use

LF-DC – Lakefront Direct Control

I1 – Light Industrial

I2 – Heavy Industrial

Discover Sylvan Lake’s Potential

Sylvan Lake is ready to help you build your future. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or family seeking a vibrant community, Sylvan Lake offers the resources and opportunities to meet your goals. Contact Amanda Mercer, Economic Development Officer, at amercer@sylvanlake.ca or call 403-887-1185 ext. 226 to learn more about how Sylvan Lake can support your vision.