Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Municipal land annexation · in-force

Order in Council Annexing Land from Stony Plain to Spruce Grove

This Order in Council separates specific land parcels from the Town of Stony Plain and annexes them to the City of Spruce Grove, effective January 1, 2026, establishing transitional taxation rules.

High impactLocal autonomyMunicipalitiesThe public, directly

What changed

  • Specific land parcels are separated from the Town of Stony Plain and annexed to the City of Spruce Grove, effective January 1, 2026.
  • Taxes owing to Stony Plain for the annexed land as of December 31, 2025, transfer to and are payable to Spruce Grove, which must remit them to Stony Plain.
  • For taxation years 2026-2051, Spruce Grove will assess the annexed land as if it remained in Stony Plain and apply the lower of Stony Plain's or Spruce Grove's tax rate.
  • Spruce Grove must use best efforts to collect and remit these specific taxes to Stony Plain during the transitional period.
  • Special taxation rules cease for any portion of the annexed land that is subdivided or redesignated at the landowner's request.

Why it matters

  • Redefines the jurisdictional boundaries and geographic scope of two municipalities.
  • Shifts municipal authority for land use planning, service provision, and taxation from Stony Plain to Spruce Grove for the annexed area.
  • Establishes a long-term transitional framework for property taxation, impacting municipal revenue and landowner obligations for up to 26 years.
  • Alters the administrative responsibilities of the City of Spruce Grove regarding assessment and tax collection for the annexed land.
  • The cessation of special taxation rules upon subdivision or redesignation introduces a mechanism for integrating the annexed land into Spruce Grove's standard tax regime over time.

Other governance concerns

  • Shift in municipal governance and service provision for residents and landowners in the annexed area.
  • Changes to property taxation assessment and rates for annexed land, with a transitional period.
  • Alteration of municipal revenue streams and financial responsibilities for both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.

Primary sources (1)