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Overview

Residents and communities across the Northwest Territories will benefit from fair, transparent, and consistent property taxation through a modernized Property Assessment and Taxation Act that makes property taxation clearer and more consistent across the territory.

The GNWT is proposing updates to the Act that builds on feedback from municipal partners and the public to resolve outstanding issues and improve clarity. These changes will help municipal governments manage tax arrears more effectively and make the rules easier for residents to understand.

Have Your Say

Help shape property tax rules in the NWT by providing your feedback on these proposed changes. Your input will help shape legislation that works for communities and residents.

You can participate by completing the online survey available on this page.

The survey will ask for your thoughts on the proposed changes and give you space to share other ideas within the scope of improving clarity in property taxation.

Background

The Property Assessment and Taxation Act sets the rules for how properties are assessed and taxed in the Northwest Territories, including what happens when property taxes are not paid. The GNWT is updating this legislation to make property taxation clearer and more consistent.

Phase II of the review focuses on two major changes:

• breaking the cycle where properties remain unsold at tax auctions and continue to accumulate debt; and
• removing post-sale redemption and appeal rights that create delays and uncertainty after an auction.

Other proposed amendments are mostly administrative in nature. These include updates to make processes more efficient and user-friendly, such as allowing electronic notices for property tax bills and providing more flexibility in how municipalities advertise tax auctions. Together, these changes aim to simplify administration, improve clarity, and support fairness for residents and communities.

Next Steps

• The online survey will remain open until January 16, 2026.
• Feedback will be reviewed and used to inform the final legislative proposals and a What We Heard Report summarizing key findings and recommendations will also be released to the public.
• A Bill to update the Property Assessment and Taxation Act will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly after engagement is complete.Cliquez ici pour consulter la présente page en français.