Town offers seniors tax rebate program

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

The Town of Strathmore is providing support to low income senior property owners by offering a tax rebate program.
According to Ty Tomasta, communications ambassador with the town, the initiative is one of the steps the Town of Strathmore and FCSS will be taking to develop the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
“Seniors are recognized and celebrated throughout communities,” said Tomasta. “In Strathmore, we recognize them for their contributions to our community and realize what part they’ve played in shaping Strathmore as we know it.”
Applications must be made before Nov. 30 of the tax year being applied for. Applicants must be 65 years of age or older, the registered homeowner on title and they must reside in their home.
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), a division of the Town of Strathmore, will be overseeing the applications.
Tomasta said the 2016 Census of Strathmore reflects there is 4,575 seniors between the ages of 65 and 100 who reside in Strathmore. “The census identifies that there are 1,820 seniors with low income status.”
Tomasta added most older adults want to age in place in their own home and their own community. “The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors States: ‘Aging in Place means having the health and social supports and services you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish and are able,’” he said.
The Alberta government’s Demographic Planning Commission’s Findings Report stated programs and services must be available to seniors when they need them and designed in ways that address their needs. It also stated that Alberta and municipal governments and not-for-profit agencies must ensure subsidized and low-cost services are available for seniors in need.
For more information or to apply for the town’s Seniors Tax Rebate Program, phone 403-934-9090 or visit the FCSS office at 116 Third Avenue in Strathmore.