Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation

(Consolidated up to 162/2025) ALBERTA REGULATION 281/98 Municipal Government Act COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION REGULATION Table of Contents 1 Interpretation Part 1 General Rules 2 Application 3 Part of a property 4 Primary use of property 5 Holding property 6 Non‑profit organization 7 Meaning of restricted 8 Gaming and liquor licences Part 2 Qualifications for Exemptions Under Section 362(1)(n)(ii) to (v) 9 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(ii) of the Act 10 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(iii) of the Act 11 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(iv) of the Act 12 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(v) of the Act Part 3 Other Property Exempt Under Section 362(1)(n) 13 Definitions 14 Exemption for other property 14.1 Property of residents association 15 Day cares, museums and other facilities 16 Conditions for exemption 17 Waiver of application requirement 18 Retail commercial areas Part 5 Repeal and Review 22 Repeal 23 Expiry Interpretation 1 (1) In this Regulation, (a) repealed AR 162/2025 s2; (b) “charitable or benevolent purpose” means the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, the amelioration of the conditions of disadvantaged persons or any other purpose beneficial to the community; (b.1) “disadvantaged person” means a person who is disadvantaged because of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation; (c) “general public” means pertaining to the general community, rather than a group with limited membership or a group of business associates; (d) “professional sports franchise” means a professional sports franchise operating in (i) the American Hockey League, (ii) the Canadian Elite Basketball League, (iii) the Canadian Football League, (iv) the Canadian Premier League, (v) the National Hockey League, (vi) the National Lacrosse League, (vii) the Northern Super League, or (viii) the Professional Women’s Hockey League; (d.1) “subsidized accommodation” means (i) rental accommodation where the Government of Alberta sets the rent at a maximum amount, sets the rent at a percentage of household income or provides the facility with ongoing operating funds, and (ii) rent to own units where the Government of Alberta sets the rent at a percentage of income or sets the rent at a maximum amount, (iii) repealed AR 152/2023 s2; (e) “taxation” means taxation under Division 2 of Part 10 of the Act. (2) For the purposes of the Act and this Regulation, “community association” means an organization where membership is voluntary, but restricted to residents of a specific area, and that is formed for the purpose of (a) enhancing the quality of life for residents of the area or enhancing the programs, public facilities or services provided to the residents of the area, or (b) providing non‑profit sporting, educational, social, recreational or other activities to the residents of the area. (3) The definitions in sections 1 and 284 of the Act apply to this Regulation. AR 281/98 s1;182/2008;152/2023;162/2025 Part 1 General Rules Application 2 This Regulation applies to taxation in 1999 and later years. Part of a property 3 An exemption under section 362(1)(n)(i) to (v) of the Act or Part 3 of this Regulation applies only to the part of a property that qualifies for the exemption. Primary use of property 4 (1) Property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(iii), (iv) or (v) of the Act or Part 3 of this Regulation unless the property is primarily used for the purpose or use described in those provisions. (2) For the purposes of this Regulation, a property is primarily used for a purpose or use if the property is used for the specified purpose or use at least 60% of the time that the property is in use. Holding property 5 When section 362(1)(n)(i) to (v) of the Act or Part 3 of this Regulation requires property to be held by a non-profit organization, a society as defined in the Agricultural Societies Act or a community association for the property to be exempt from taxation, the property is not exempt unless (a) the organization, society or association is the owner of the property and the property is not subject to a lease, licence or permit, or (b) the organization, society or association holds the property under a lease, licence or permit. Non-profit organization 6 When section 362(1)(n)(i) to (v) of the Act or Part 3 of this Regulation requires property to be held by a non‑profit organization, community association or residents association as defined in section 13 for the property to be exempt from taxation, the property is not exempt unless (a) the organization or association is a society incorporated under the Societies Act , or (b) the organization or association is (i) a corporation incorporated in any jurisdiction, or (ii) any other entity established under a federal law or law of Alberta that is prohibited, by the laws of the jurisdiction governing its formation or establishment, from distributing income or property to its shareholders or members during its existence. AR 281/98 s6;204/2011 Meaning of restricted 7 (1) In this Regulation, a reference to the use of property being restricted means, subject to subsections (2) and (3), that individuals are restricted from using the property on any basis, including a restriction based on (a) race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation, (b) the ownership of property, (c) the requirement to pay fees of any kind, other than minor entrance or service fees, or (d) the requirement to become a member of an organization. (1.1) For the purpose of subsection (1)(c), (a) fees of any kind include rent, and (b) minor entrance or service fees are fees that would not unreasonably prohibit the use of the property by the general public or intended recipients of the services, programs or amenities offered at the property. (2) The requirement to become a member of an organization does not make the use of the property restricted so long as (a) membership in the organization is not restricted on any basis, other than the requirement to fill out an application and pay a minor membership fee, and (b) membership occurs within a short period of time after any application or minor fee requirement is satisfied. (3) Not permitting an individual to use a property for reasons related to safety, liability or protection of property or because the individual’s use of the property would contravene a law does not make the use of the property restricted. (4) For greater certainty, property referred to in subsection (3) includes an administrative area, parking lot, storage area or other similar area. AR 281/98 s7;162/2025 Gaming and liquor licences 8 (1) For the purposes of section 365(2) of the Act, property described in section 362(1)(n) of the Act and Part 3 of this Regulation in respect of which a bingo licence, casino licence, pull ticket licence, Class C liquor licence or a special event licence is issued under the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (AR 143/96) is exempt from taxation if the requirements of section 362(1)(n) and this Regulation in respect of the property are met. (2) Despite subsection (1), property in respect of which a casino facility licence is issued is not exempt from taxation. AR 281/1998 s8;56/2019;295/2020 Part 2 Qualifications for Exemptions Under Section 362(1)(n)(ii) to (v) Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(ii) of the Act 9 (1) The following property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(ii) of the Act: (a) property to the extent that it is used in the operation of a professional sports franchise; (b) property that is used solely for community games, sports, athletics or recreation if, for more than 40% of the time that the property is in use, the majority of those participating in the activities held on the property are 18 years of age or older. (2) Property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(ii) of the Act if, for more than 30% of the time that the property is in use, the use of the property is restricted within the meaning of section 7 as modified by subsection (3). (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), limiting the participation in activities held on a property to persons of a certain age does not make the use of the property restricted. Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(iii) of the Act 10 (1) Property referred to in section 362(1)(n)(iii) of the Act is not exempt from taxation unless (a) the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the property is primarily used is a purpose that benefits the general public in the municipality in which the property is located, and (b) the resources of the non‑profit organization that holds the property are devoted chiefly to the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the property is used. (2) Subject to subsection (3), property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(iii) of the Act if, for more than 30% of the time that the property is in use, the use of the property is restricted within the meaning of section 7. (3) The use of the property may be restricted within the meaning of section 7(1)(a) if the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the property is primarily used is the amelioration of the conditions of disadvantaged persons and the restriction is reasonably necessary for that purpose. AR 281/98 s10;182/2008;162/2025 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(iv) of the Act 11 Property referred to in section 362(1)(n)(iv) of the Act is not exempt from taxation unless the accommodation provided to senior citizens is subsidized accommodation. AR 281/98 s11;182/2008 Exemption under section 362(1)(n)(v) of the Act 12 (1) The following property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(v) of the Act: (a) property to the extent that it is used in the operation of a professional sports franchise; (b) property if, for more than 40% of the time that the property is in use, the majority of those participating in the activities held on the property are 18 years of age or older; (c) property in Calgary or Edmonton that is held by and used in connection with a community association if the association is not a member of the Federation of Calgary Communities or the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. (1.1) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(c), property held by a community association referred to in that provision is exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(v) of the Act where that community association was a member of the Federation of Calgary Communities or the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues on January 1, 1999 but cancelled its membership after that date. (1.2) Subsection (1.1) applies with respect to 2004 and subsequent years. (2) Property is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(v) of the Act if, for more than 30% of the time that the property is in use, the use of the property is restricted within the meaning of section 7 as modified by subsection (3). (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), limiting the participation in activities held on a property to persons of a certain age does not make the use of the property restricted. AR 281/98 s12;283/2003 Part 3 Other Property Exempt Under Section 362(1)(n) Definitions 13 In this Part, (a) “arts” means theatre, literature, music, painting, sculpture or graphic arts and includes any other similar creative or interpretive activity; (b) “chamber of commerce” means a chamber of commerce that is a non‑profit organization and is a member of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce; (c) “ethno‑cultural association” means an organization formed for the purpose of serving the interests of a community defined in terms of the racial, cultural, ethnic, national or linguistic origins or interests of its members; (d) “linguistic organization” means an organization formed for the purpose of promoting the use of English or French in Alberta; (e) “museum” means a facility that is established for the purpose of conserving, studying, interpreting, assembling and exhibiting, for the instruction and enjoyment of the general public, art, objects or specimens of educational and cultural value or historical, technological, anthropological, scientific or philosophical inventions, instruments, models or designs; (e.1) “residents association” means a non‑profit organization that requires membership for residential property owners in a specific development area, that secures its membership fees by a caveat or encumbrance on each residential property title and that is established for the purpose of (i) managing and maintaining the common property, facilities and amenities of the development area for the benefit of the residents of the development area, (ii) enhancing the quality of life for residents of the development area or enhancing the programs, public facilities or services provided to the residents of the development area, or (iii) providing non‑profit sporting, educational, social, recreational or other activities to the residents of the development area; (f) “retail commercial area” means property used to sell food, beverages, merchandise or services; (g) “sheltered workshop” means a facility designed to provide an occupation for and to promote the adjustment and rehabilitation of persons who would otherwise have difficulty obtaining employment because of physical, mental or developmental disabilities; (h) “thrift shop” means a retail outlet operated for a charitable or benevolent purpose that sells donated clothing, appliances, furniture, household items and other items of value at a nominal cost to people in need. AR 281/98 s13;283/2003;204/2011 Exemption for other property 14 This Part describes property that is exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n) of the Act that is not exempt under section 362(1)(n)(i) to (v) of the Act. Property of residents association 14.1 (1) Property that is owned and held by and used in connection with a residents association is exempt from taxation. (2) Despite subsection (1), the following property owned and held by and used in connection with a residents association is not exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n) of the Act: (a) property to the extent that it is used in the operation of a professional sports franchise; (b) property if, for more than 40% of the time that the property is in use, the majority of those participating in the activities held on the property are 18 years of age or older; (c) property if, for more than 30% of the time that the property is in use, the use of the property is restricted within the meaning of section 7 as modified by subsection (3). (3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(c), limiting the participation in activities held on a property to persons of a certain age does not make the use of the property restricted. AR 204/2011 s4 Day cares, museums and other facilities 15 A non‑profit organization that holds property on which any of the following facilities are operated may apply to the municipality within whose area the property is located for an exemption from taxation: (a) a facility used for sports or recreation to the extent that the facility is not used in the operation of a professional sports franchise; (b) a facility used for fairs or exhibitions, including agricultural exhibitions; (c) a facility used for the arts or a museum; (d) a program premises as defined in the Child Care Licensing Regulation (AR 143/2008); (e) a facility used by a linguistic organization if (i) the use of the property by the general public is actively encouraged, and (ii) a sign is prominently posted in the facility, or information is available online, indicating the hours that the whole or part of the facility is accessible to the public; (f) a facility used by an ethno-cultural association for sports, recreation or education or for charitable or other benevolent purposes if (i) the use of the property by the general public is actively encouraged, and (ii) a sign is prominently posted in the facility, or information is available online, indicating the hours that the whole or part of the facility is accessible to the public; (g) a facility in a municipality operated and used by an organization for a charitable or benevolent purpose where the majority of the organization’s beneficiaries do not reside in the municipality; (h) a facility used as a thrift shop; (i) a facility used as a sheltered workshop; (j) a facility operated and used by a chamber of commerce; (k) a facility used for a charitable or benevolent purpose that is for the benefit of the general public if (i) the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the facility is primarily used is a purpose that benefits the general public in the municipality in which the facility is located, and (ii) the resources of the non‑profit organization that holds the facility are devoted chiefly to the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the facility is used. (l) a facility used in connection with the purposes of a continuing care home in respect of which a type B or C continuing care home licence has been issued under the Continuing Care Act ; (m) a facility used as a supportive living accommodation as defined in the Continuing Care Act ; (n) a facility described in clause (k) used to provide temporary or transitional accommodation, excluding affordable housing accommodation referred to in section 363(1)(e) of the Act, and at which services, programs or amenities may be offered. AR 281/98 s15;283/2003;182/2008; 77/2010;152/2023;162/2025 Conditions for exemption 16 (1) A municipality must grant a non‑profit organization an exemption from taxation in a taxation year in respect of a property referred to in section 15 that is held by the organization if (a) the non‑profit organization, subject to subsection (1.1), (i) makes an application for an exemption to the municipality by September 30 of the year preceding the taxation year, and (ii) supplies the municipality with the following by November 30 of the year preceding the taxation year: (A) any information the municipality requires to determine if the organization meets the conditions for the exemption; (B) a description of any retail commercial areas in the facility on the property, (b) the facility on the property is one of the facilities described in section 15 and the non‑profit organization operates the facility on a non‑profit basis, (c) the funds of the non‑profit organization are chiefly used for the purposes of the organization and not for the benefit of the organization’s directors and employees, (d) the property is not disqualified under subsection (2) or (3), and (e) the requirements of subsections (4) and (5), if applicable, are met. (1.1) For the purpose of subsection (1)(a), the municipality (a) may specify other dates for a non‑profit organization to make an application and supply the information and description referred to in subsection (1)(a), and (b) must advertise the dates referred to in clause (a) in accordance with section 606 of the Act. (2) Subject to subsections (2.1) and (2.2), property referred to in section 15(a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (j), (k) or (n) is not exempt from taxation if, for more than 30% of the time that the property is in use, the use of the property is restricted within the meaning of section 7. (2.1) The use of property referred to in section 15(k) and (n) may be restricted within the meaning of section 7(1)(a) if the charitable or benevolent purpose for which the property is primarily used is the amelioration of the conditions of disadvantaged persons and the restriction is reasonably necessary for that purpose. (2.2) The use of property referred to in section 15(n) may be restricted within the meaning of section 7(1)(c) if the restriction is the requirement to pay rent for access to temporary or transitional accommodation at the property. (3) Property referred to in section 15(d) or (g) to (i) is not exempt from taxation if an individual is not permitted to use the property because of the individual’s race, culture, ethnic origin or religious belief. (4) Before granting an exemption under this section in respect of a property that is held by a non-profit organization, the municipality may require that an agreement between the organization and the municipality be in force that sets out that (a) the organization will provide the municipality with a report by a time and in a manner specified in the agreement that sets out the information the municipality requires to determine if the organization met the conditions for the exemption during the taxation year, and (b) if the organization does not comply with the provisions referred to in clause (a), the organization will pay the municipality an amount equivalent to the property taxes that would be payable in respect of the property for the taxation year if the property was not exempt. (5) Before granting an exemption under this section in respect of a property that is owned by a non‑profit organization, the municipality may require that an agreement between the organization and the municipality be in force that sets out that (a) no disposition of the property may be made without the approval of the municipality, and (b) if the organization is being wound-up and dissolved, the organization must, if required by the municipality, transfer the property to the municipality. (6) If a municipality grants an exemption to a non‑profit organization and later determines that the organization did not meet the conditions that applied to the organization for the exemption for all or part of the taxation year, the municipality may in the taxation year cancel the exemption for all or part of the taxation year, as the case may be, and require the organization to pay property tax in respect of the property for the period that the exemption is cancelled. AR 281/98 s16;4/2010;77/2010;152/2023; 162/2025 Waiver of application requirement 17 (1) If a municipality has granted a non‑profit organization an exemption from taxation under section 16 in respect of a property, the municipality may grant the non‑profit organization an exemption from taxation in the following taxation year under section 16 in respect of the property without requiring the organization to apply for the exemption. (2) A municipality that has waived an application requirement under subsection (1) in respect of a property for a taxation year may (a) require the non‑profit organization that holds the property to provide any information that the organization may be required to provide if it was applying for an exemption, and (b) if the non‑profit organization does not provide the information, cancel in that taxation year the exemption for all or part of that taxation year and require the organization to pay property tax in respect of the property for the period that the exemption is cancelled. (3) A municipality may not waive the application requirement under subsection (1) in respect of a property for more than 3 consecutive taxation years. Retail commercial areas 18 (1) In this section, “exempt facility” means a facility or part of a facility (a) that is held by a non‑profit organization, a society as defined in the Agricultural Societies Act or a community association and that is exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n)(i) to (v) of the Act or section 16 of this Regulation, or (b) that is owned and held by a residents association and that is exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n) of the Act. (2) A retail commercial area that is located within an exempt facility is exempt from taxation if (a) the non‑profit organization, society as defined in the Agricultural Societies Act, community association or residents association that holds the exempt facility also holds and operates the retail commercial area, and (b) the net income from the retail commercial area is used (i) to pay all or part of the operational or capital costs of the exempt facility, or (ii) to pay all or part of the operational or capital costs of any other facility that is held by the non‑profit organization, society, community association or residents association and that is exempt from taxation under section 362(1)(n) of the Act or section 16 of this Regulation. AR 281/98 s18;204/2011 Part 4 Repealed AR 283/2003 s5. Part 5 Repeal and Review Repeal 22 (1) The Community Organization 1998 Property Tax Exemption Regulation (AR 289/97) is repealed. (2) Repealed AR 182/2008 s6. AR 281/98 s22;182/2008 Expiry 23 For the purpose of ensuring that this Regulation is reviewed for ongoing relevancy and necessity, with the option that it may be repassed in its present or an amended form following a review, this Regulation expires on December 31, 2030. AR 281/98 s23;283/2003;182/2008;4/2010;9/2015; 257/2017;220/2018;152/2023;162/2025