Some residents living in northeast and central Edmonton are facing big property tax increases in the 20 per cent range while those living in south Edmonton are being spared with single-digit increases.

While the average tax increase across the city is just 7.5 per cent, only those living in south and northeast Edmonton will likely see their property tax increase on top of that total fall in the single digits.

The city is sending out tax notices this week.

The 2009 draft budget calls for an even higher tax increase, asking councillors to approve a 9.4 per cent increase next year.

City administration officials tell CTV News the hike is because the city does not get enough money from user fees and investments to help cover the increasing cost of running the city.

Rod Risling, branch manager of the assessment and taxation branch, said the value of the average, single-detached home has increased by 65 per cent.

"There's definitely a rigorous process as fas as review on assessment and lots of options for property owners to ensure their assessment does reflect property value as of July 1, 2007," he said.

Neighbourhoods over 20 per cent:

  • Beacon Heights (21.4%) 
  • Bellevue (22.2%)
  • Bergman (23.8 %) 
  • Beverly Heights (20.3%) 
  • Central McDougall (20.1%) 
  • Cromdale (20.2%) 
  • Highlands (20.5%) 
  • Montrose (23.5%) 
  • Newton (22%)
  • Rossdale (24.2%)
  • Rundle Heights (25. 6%)

Rossdale homeowner Tracey said she will probably face an estimated tax increase of $300.

"It's frustrating but I'm not sure what you do about it," she said. "I mean the city with the way it's going can't handle the population."

Marc Perras, president of the Realtors Association of Edmonton, said while some of the numbers are shocking, property taxes are the only way to correct problems with the city's infrastructure.

"One of the only means the city's got is through the tax base," he siad. "I think there's not a lot of options for city council."

Other areas are set to fall below the 7.5 per cent benchmark.

Neighbourhoods seeing no change or less than the average tax levy:

  • Rural North East South Sturgeon (-17.5%)
  • Rural West (-16.9%)
  • Queen Alaexandra (-.1.2%)
  • Lansdowne (-1%)
  • Parkallen (-0.5%)
  • Pleasantview (-0.3%)
  • Ogilvie Ridge (0%)
  • Wedgewood Heights (0%)

Despite having to pay hundreds to remain in the Rossdale neighbourhood, Tracey said it's not enough to make her take action and pack her bags.

"Do I like it? No. Would I move to another neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city just to avoid less of a tax increase? No," she said.

For a full list of the property tax increases for each neighbourhood, click here.