In what’s been described as a bold step, the Town of Rocky Mountain House is scrapping offsite levies for new development in town.

Offsite levies are fees paid by developers to help offset the cost of municipal services for new development like water, sanitary and roads. CAO Dean Krause said if all levies were left in place, it would impose a cost of about $110,000 per hectare for developers.

At its July 15, 2025 meeting, council repealed the bylaw, establishing that the town is not going to impose offsite levies on any development with the desire to promote economic development.

“That is a bold statement from the town of Rocky Mountain House that we are looking for development,” said Acting Mayor Len Phillips.

While Krause admitted there are certain pros and cons to offsite levies, he pointed out that scrapping the bylaw could indeed be an effective solution to see increased economic development in town limits.

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) only allows the collection of off-site levies for new or expanded facilities.

Councillor Dale Shippelt raised concerns about a fledgling development from Laebon Homes in town, whether it’d be subject to offsite levies. Krause responded that the developer was made aware of potential changes, and since a final agreement is still forthcoming, offsite levies would not come into effect.

However, council also heard that scrapping the bylaw could have implications for the new wastewater treatment plant. A future council may be challenged if they decide to try and introduce an offsite levy for the facility, as it would no longer be considered new.

–

READ MORE

• Report: “No major upgrades” Rocky Mountain House utility and transportation systems adequate to meet needs 
• Rocky Mountain House boosts Storefront Improvement Program amid surge in appliations
• Rocky Mountain House to explore potential for data centre

–