Summary#

Council passed Bylaw 28M2026 at third reading, amending Bylaw 47M2025. It allows the City to send tax notices and related documents electronically to taxpayers who opt in; the stated goal is more flexible and reliable delivery.

• The electronic option covers tax notices issued under Part 10 of the Municipal Government Act and related tax-account documents or communications.
• The City’s existing electronic delivery framework for assessment notices and Assessment Review Board materials is not changed.
• The planned model uses a secure myTax account, with an email alert when a notice is ready to view and download. Notices will not be emailed as attachments.

What it means for you#

• Taxpayers: You may opt in to electronic delivery. The report says traditional delivery will remain for people who prefer it; the change does not require taxpayers to switch.
• Taxpayers who opt in: You would access notices through myTax and receive an email alert when a notice is available.
• Assessment and Assessment Review Board matters: The amendment does not change the existing electronic delivery practices for these materials.

Money#

The bylaw change has no immediate financial impact; no estimate is given for possible long-term savings.

• City staff say savings may result over time if implementation proceeds and enough customers opt in.
• Implementation is expected to involve internal system development and communications, but the report gives no cost or staffing estimate.

What is unclear#

• The bylaw establishes the legal authority, but the report does not give an implementation date or explain how taxpayers will opt in.
• The report describes a phased expansion but does not say which tax notices or related communications will be included first.
• No public engagement was undertaken.

Case for#

• City staff say the current rules leave Part 10 tax notices reliant on mail, which can add printing and postage costs and create delays if mail service is disrupted.
• The opt-in model would give taxpayers another delivery choice while keeping traditional delivery for those who prefer it.
• Staff say notices would be available through a secure online account, with an email alert, rather than sent as email attachments.

Case against#

• The report does not explain how the City will ensure that taxpayers who opt in notice an email alert and access the notice in myTax.
• The City is expected to do system development and communications, but the report gives no estimate of those costs or the savings the change might produce.
• Because the option is opt-in, savings and reduced paper use depend on implementation and customer uptake, as City staff acknowledge.