Property Assessment

Understanding Your Property Value

Each year, the Town of Westlock conducts property assessments to estimate the market value of land and improvements. These assessments are essential for calculating municipal and education property taxes and ensuring that each property owner contributes a fair share.

Assessments reflect the estimated market value of your property as of July 1 of the previous year and its physical condition as of December 31, as required under the Municipal Government Act.

Note: A Property Assessment Notice is not a tax bill.
Tax Notices are mailed separately.

Why Assessments Matter

Accurate assessments ensure that property taxes are distributed fairly and proportionally across the community. Assessment values are used to calculate your annual property taxes by applying the municipal tax rate to your property’s assessed value. These funds support essential services like roads, fire protection, recreation, and more.

Types of Assessments

Assessments are completed annually by a certified assessor using provincially legislated methods:

Market Value Assessment – Residential and commercial properties
Regulated Assessment – Linear properties, machinery, and equipment
Farmland Assessment – Based on agricultural productivity

How Market Value is Determined

Market value is the most probable price your property would sell for on the open market as of July 1. Three approaches may be used:

Comparison to similar properties that sold in the area
Analysis of income generated from rental properties
Cost of replacing the structure, plus land value

Assessment Notices

Assessment Notices are mailed each spring and include:

Your property's assessed value
Property classification and details
Instructions for how to request a review or file a complaint

How to Review or Dispute Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is incorrect:

Contact the Assessor for clarification:

Accurate Assessment Group Ltd.
Bob Daudelin, Assessment Specialist
1-877-438-2305 | bob@aag-gis.com
171 Pembina Road, Sherwood Park, AB

If not resolved, you may file a written complaint to the Assessment Review Board within 60 days of the assessment notice date.

Note: A fee may apply to formal complaint forms; more information is available through Alberta Municipal Affairs.

About Your Assessment

Why has my assessment changed?

Assessments are updated annually to reflect market conditions in Westlock. Fluctuations in value may result from market trends or changes to your property.

What affects market value?

Location, demand, age, size, layout, condition, renovations, and nearby amenities all contribute to the value. Even local infrastructure or traffic corridors can affect value.

What is mass appraisal?

Mass appraisal is a method of valuing many properties as of a common date using standardized methods and statistical analysis. This ensures equity and fairness across properties.

How do improvements affect my assessment?

Additions, renovations, and finishing a basement may increase your assessed value. General maintenance typically helps retain value but does not increase your assessment.

Will I receive an assessment if my home was just built?

Yes. If your property was partially complete on December 31, your notice will reflect a prorated value. If completed or occupied later, a Supplementary Assessment Notice will be issued for the remainder of the year.

Inspections and Access

The Town aims to inspect each property every five years. Allowing the assessor access to the interior ensures that your assessment reflects accurate details, such as layout, finishing, and condition.

If access is denied, the assessor may rely on prior data or comparable properties, which could result in a less precise valuation.

Still Have Questions?

Contact the Town of Westlock at 780-349-4444 or visit Town Hall during business hours. We're here to help ensure your property assessment is clear, accurate, and complete.