Regional Assessment Review Board

About

The West Yellowhead Regional Assessment Review Board (ARB) is a quasi-judicial board (similar to a legal body) established in accordance with Part 11 of the Municipal Government Act and the Regional Assessment Review Board Bylaw. 

The ARB hears formal complaints against the assessment of properties, businesses, and local improvements from the jurisdictions of the Town of Hinton, the Town of Edson, Improvement District 12, and the Specialized Municipality of Jasper. 

The West Yellowhead Regional Assessment Review Board exercises the functions of two types of review boards:

  • Composite Assessment Review Board (CARB): hears complaints about assessment notices for residential properties with four or more dwelling units and non-residential (commercial) assessments.
  • Local Assessment Review Board (LARB): Hears complaints about assessment notices for residential properties with three or fewer dwellings.

Hearings are typically held in the fall, during office hours. Hearings are open to the public and are live streamed, however they are not public hearings. Only the complainant, respondent and pre-approved witnesses may speak.  

After the hearing, a formal written decision must be completed by the Board Members. This is typically written by the Board Chair, however, will require review and input from all members of the panel.

Following the ARB’s written decision appeals can only be filed for judicial review with the Alberta Court of King's Bench to determine if the ARB has acted in a fair, reasonable, and lawful manner.

 

Members

ARB members are responsible for adjudicating complaints. They attend hearings, receive evidence and arguments from the parties, and make decisions. They must identify facts and interpret and apply the law to every complaint. ARB members are subject to the principles of natural justice and must be free from bias or conflict of interest.

Council appoints members to three-year terms on the ARB. Once appointed, members must complete five, three-hour online training sessions through the Province of Alberta, followed by the successful completion of an online exam within seven days of the course date. The online training must be completed before members are eligible to hear an appeal. 

Qualifications must be renewed every three years. Refresher training is delivered in three, three-hour online sessions, followed by the successful completion of an online exam within seven days of the course date.

 

Become a Board Member!

Members are needed from Hinton to serve on the West Yellowhead Regional Assessment Review Board. We are seeking a citizen who has:

  • An assessment, legal or valuation background
  • Expertise / knowledge on quasi-judicial boards
  • Flexible schedule / daytime availability for training and hearings

Board members are responsible for issuing decisions on disputes relative to property assessment for the municipalities of the Town of Hinton, the Town of Edson, Improvement District 12, and the Specialized Municipality of Jasper. Training from Municipal Affairs will be provided by the Town of Hinton. Board members will receive remuneration and expenses for board responsibilities from the municipality hosting the appeal hearing.

 

Apply to become a member of the board and submit your cover letter and brief outline of experience to the Legislative Services Clerk 

For more information, please contact the Legislative Services Clerk.