Published on
November 8, 2025
Growing tourism in Alberta necessitates new funding streams for municipalities for libraries, airports, and tourism. These will be discussed at the upcoming Alberta Municipalities Annual Convention, November 12-14 in Calgary. Alberta’s cities and towns, with stretched local resources and booming tourism, are requesting more provincial funding, local tax levies, and tourism-related community initiatives.
Proposed resolutions regarding funding libraries, developing airports, and taxing tourists show Alberta’s strain on local libraries, airports, and the tourism sector. These show Alberta’s strain on local libraries, airports, and the tourism sector.
Libraries in Alberta Need More Support
One of the primary resolutions at the convention concerns the funding of libraries across the province. Libraries play a crucial role in local communities, offering services beyond books, such as early learning programs, employment services, and social support. However, many libraries in Alberta are struggling to keep up with rising operational costs.
Stettler’s Push for Funding
Gord Lawlor, the recently elected mayor of Stettler, is leading the charge for a funding boost. Lawlor, known as “the library guy” in town, has been advocating for better financial support for libraries across the province. He recalls how a former municipal affairs minister, Ric McIver, dubbed him the “library guy” due to his passionate focus on improving local library services.
Lawlor’s push for better funding comes amid growing concerns that 30% of Alberta’s libraries are operating with deficit budgets, and many are unable to keep up with inflation or the rising demand for digital resources like e-books and audiobooks.
Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For tourists, the increasing reliance on libraries for educational and social services can enhance their experience in Alberta, particularly those who are staying long-term or visiting for educational purposes. However, without adequate funding, libraries may be forced to cut back on the services that are vital for both residents and visitors. Ensuring that libraries remain well-funded is essential for fostering community engagement and enhancing the tourism experience.
Alberta’s Airport Infrastructure Faces Growing Strain
Another key issue facing Alberta’s municipalities is the deterioration of community airports. With nearly 100 community airports across the province, many of these facilities are struggling with outdated infrastructure, including crumbling runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings. This is particularly problematic for aerial firefighting and medevac operations, which rely on functional airports for emergency services.
The Town of Spirit River has proposed a resolution to increase the provincial funding for the Community Airport Program. Spirit River is calling for an annual funding increase to $15 million and a broader range of eligible projects to maintain and improve these essential airstrips.
Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For tourists, the condition of Alberta’s smaller airports can directly affect their experience, especially for those traveling to more remote areas of the province. Aging airport infrastructure could lead to delays, safety concerns, or hinder access to less-visited, yet stunning, destinations. Improved funding would ensure smoother travel for those relying on regional airports, whether for business, vacation, or emergency services.
A New Visitor Tax to Support Tourism Growth
With Alberta’s tourism economy expected to reach $25 billion by 2035, municipalities are seeking new ways to raise revenue and support the growth of the tourism sector. The City of Airdrie is proposing the introduction of a municipal accommodation tax to be levied on short-term visitors staying in hotels, Airbnb, and other accommodation options.
This tax would allow municipalities like Airdrie to generate consistent revenue from tourism, which could be reinvested into destination marketing, local infrastructure, and tourism development initiatives.
The Need for Local Control
Airdrie’s proposed tax would give local governments the ability to set tax rates and decide how the funds are used. The city estimates that a 2% accommodation tax could generate up to $1 million in revenue, which could go a long way in funding local tourism initiatives. Larger cities could see millions in additional funding, while smaller communities could use the tax to support tourism infrastructure and public services.
Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For tourists, the introduction of a municipal accommodation tax could lead to higher costs for accommodation in areas with popular tourist attractions. However, the potential benefits for travelers are significant. The revenue generated from the tax could help improve local amenities, such as public transportation, event venues, and tourist services, ultimately enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Addressing the Education Property Tax Confusion
In addition to tourism-related issues, municipalities are also seeking clarity on the education property tax, which has caused confusion in many areas. Some communities, like Rocky Mountain House and Mayerthorpe, have called for the province to assume responsibility for collecting these taxes, as the current system has led to misunderstandings and complications in local budgeting.
By centralizing the collection of education taxes, municipalities argue, the system would be more transparent and easier to manage, ensuring that education funding is more predictable and consistent across the province.
Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For tourists, the confusion surrounding property taxes does not directly affect their travel experience. However, clarity in local tax systems could reduce administrative burdens for businesses and residents alike, creating a more stable environment for tourism growth in Alberta’s municipalities.
The Path Forward: Advocating for Sustainable Tourism Growth
Alberta Municipalities‘ upcoming convention discusses resolutions based on the responsibility placed on Alberta’s Municipalities on the development of sustainable tourism across the province. Cities and towns prioritize revenue and the number of tourists, focusing on the positive impacts of tourism. Revenue sharing across the local visitors’ hotspots and towns will help preserve the community’s local environment and infrastructure.
Effects on Travel and Tourists
Alberta travelers will directly feel the benefits of the province’s tourism driven incremental improvements in the consolidation of services, development of new infrastructure, and local tourism taxes. Travellers will find Alberta’s winter tourism offers expanded. Airport and library tourism support improvements will enhance positive tourism experiences. Alberta’s tourism sector will thrive on the expected improvements that modern tourism adaptability will usher in.
