Under the authority of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) (Part 10: Taxation), the Town of Barrhead is required to recover unpaid property taxes through a formal process. If property taxes remain in arrears for two years, the property is eligible for tax recovery.
tax recovery process
Each year, a list of tax arrears is prepared and forwarded to the Registrar at Alberta Land Titles, who registers a tax recovery notification on the title of properties that have been in arrears for two years.
The Town must then offer these properties for sale at a public auction within a specified timeframe, as outlined in the MGA. The date, time, location, and reserve bids for the auction are set by Council resolution and are publicly advertised in accordance with legislation.
tax sale by public auction
Properties listed for tax sale are sold as is, where is, with no warranties or guarantees. The municipality does not make any representations regarding the property’s location, size, zoning, condition, or whether it is occupied.
If a property is not sold at auction, the municipality may take title to the property.
current tax sale notice
This is an inventory of properties which are being offered for sale to recoup property taxes owed, in accordance with the MGA. If you need more information, please contact the Town of Barrhead.
| Legal Description | Certificate of Title | Roll Number | Address | Property Size | Lot Description | Reserve Bid |
0725639;8;1B | 0723575000+1 | 021410 | 5104 50 Avenue | 0.247 acres +/- | Vacant lot. Services to property line. | $108,000 |
auction date
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Town of Barrhead Council Chambers (5014 50 Avenue).
For more information or to view full details of the current tax sale notice, please contact:
FAQ
Tax sales can raise a lot of questions, and we’re here to help clear up any confusion. Before reaching out to our Tax Department, we encourage you to review the frequently asked questions below—your answer may already be here.
What is a tax recovery process?
Tax recovery is the legal process a municipality follows to collect unpaid property taxes. If taxes remain in arrears for two years, the property becomes eligible for recovery under the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
When is a property listed for tax sale?
Tax sale proceedings may begin after March 31, one year after the tax recovery notification is registered at Alberta Land Titles, and must be completed by March 31 of the following year.
How is the public notified about tax sales?
The Town of Barrhead must advertise the public auction in a local newspaper once with the ad appearing not less than 10 days and not more than 20 days before the auction. The notice must also be mailed to the owner and interested parties listed on the title.
Can the owner redeem the property before the sale?
Yes. The owner can redeem the property at any time before the auction by paying ALL tax arrears, penalties, and costs. Once the auction begins, redemption is no longer possible.
What is a "reserve bid"?
A reserve bid is the minimum sale price set by Council, as close as reasonably possible to the market value of the parcel. The property cannot be sold for less than the reserve bid.
Can I inspect the property before the sale?
No. Properties are sold as is, where is, and the Town of Barrhead makes no representations or warranties. Buyers are responsible for doing their own due diligence. This is standard practice and is implied under the MGA, which outlines that sales are without warranty.
Are there guarantees with the purchase?
No. The Town of Barrhead does not guarantee title, location, size, condition of structures, zoning compliance, or occupancy status. Buyers assume all risk and responsibility.
What happens if no one buys the property?
If a property is not sold at public auction, the Town of Barrhead may take title to the property after the auction closes (Section 424 (1) MGA), or may offer it for sale through an alternative process outlined in the MGA (Section 425 MGA).