St. Paul council has set October 8, 2026 as the date for this year’s public tax auction, as required under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act.

Administration told council that municipalities must set an auction date each year for eligible properties that remain in tax arrears long enough to meet the legal threshold.

At the moment, the Town expects two properties would be headed to auction if nothing changes before then.

One currently owes $10,993.74, while the other is sitting at $25,862.79 in arrears. Administration noted those totals would rise further by auction time once 2026 taxes and any penalties are added.

Councillor David Fodness asked whether more properties could still be added later, but administration said no others currently qualify because tax auction only applies after a property has been in arrears for three years.

Mayor Glenn Andersen stressed that council is not choosing to force the process, but rather following provincial law.

“I think it’s very important that the public and council understand that we don’t make this decision,” Andersen said. “It’s the MGA that’s making you make this.”

Administration added that the Town has actually been successful in recent years at helping many property owners catch up before reaching the auction stage.

“The goal is to help these owners get their feet back underneath them so that we’re not having to advertise them for sale,” Jeffery said.

Council approved the auction date unanimously.