At first glance it would seem that municipal land use planning and assessment of property for tax purposes are two very dissimilar activities.  In reality, one leads to another.  The link between the two activities is the shared use of land related information.  Through the shared use of such information, we strive to promote principled, orderly development and achieve equitable assessment of property in Clearwater County.  It also allows us to assist other county departments, governments, citizens, and the Clearwater County Council by providing geographic information for enhanced decision making.

Municipal Planning

Our planning staff is knowledgeable with respect to municipal land use planning issues and can help you with any proposals you may have.  Whether you wish to subdivide your property, build a new house, shop or other structure, or you wish to start a business in Clearwater County, they can advise you of whether such development conforms to planning legislation or what steps are required to present a proposal for consideration before the Municipal Planning Commission, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or Council.

The Council of Clearwater County wants Clearwater County to be a desired place to live and conduct business.  To understand how we hope to sustain this vision with respect to municipal land use planning, you are invited to look at our Municipal Development Plan.  Here you will find the planning goals Clearwater County hopes to satisfy into the foreseeable future.

Municipal Assessment

Our assessment staff and our elected councilors understand that nobody enjoys paying property taxes.  But property taxes are the primary means by which Canadian municipalities, and Clearwater County, in particular, pay for the building and maintenance of roads and bridges; controlling agricultural pests and weeds; the provision of fire, ambulance, and emergency services; seniors lodging; waste management; water and sewer services; recreation facilities, parks and campgrounds; and countless other services provided on behalf of citizens.  It should be noted that about half of the property taxes levied in Clearwater County are mandated and levied on behalf of the Alberta Government to fund local schools and schools in other parts of the province.

Clearwater County’s assessors work diligently to value property as fairly as possible in relation to similar property and provincial regulations and guidelines. By doing so, our goal is to distribute the annual property tax burden fairly amongst accurately assessed properties.