Enhanced Landscape Maintenance (ELM) program

Enhanced Landscape Maintenance Program (ELM)

Update: Special Tax Levy

Residents in communities that participate in the ELM or Snow Removal and Ice Control (SNIC) Program will receive a letter/information in October 2025, outlining the additional fees associated with these programs. These fees (a special tax levy) will appear on the 2026 Property Tax bill. This information will also include a section that introduces the Parks Special Tax Levy Homeowner’s Assistance Pilot Program:

The City of Calgary is piloting a program to help low-income homeowners offset the 2026 Parks Special Tax Levy. This levy funds enhanced landscape maintenance and snow and ice control in community public spaces.  The program is available to homeowners who:

  • are listed on the property land title, and
  • are approved through the City’s Fair Entry program.

For more information on the Special Tax Levy, the Homeowner’s Assistance Pilot Program, and Fair Entry, please click on your community:

*McKenzie Lake participates in The City’s Snow Removal and Ice Control (SNIC) Program, and not ELM.

Download the FAQ

The Enhanced Landscape Maintenance program allows communities to collect and use community generated funds to add additional landscaping and maintenance to parks, green spaces, boulevards or pathways in their neighbourhood – beyond the standard provided by the City of Calgary.

The ELM program is community-led to encourage community involvement and community pride, while improving visual aesthetics of neighbourhoods.

When a community enters the ELM program, it allows citizens to become active stewards of the greenspaces, boulevards, pathways or parks within their neighbourhood. A participating ELM community, through their stewardship, ensures the following are completed:

  • Mowing and trimming of grass areas
  • Litter control (loose litter clean up, not garbage can clean up)
  • Curb sweeping
  • Tree well and shrub bed maintenance
  • Installation of seasonal flowers and planters

The program aligns with the following Council Priorities:

  1. A city of inspired neighbourhoods
  2. A healthy green city
ELM communities in Calgary
pathway

How did the ELM program start?

In 2002 there was an increase in interest from citizens who were looking to become more actively involved in the maintenance and enhancement of the parks, greenspaces and boulevards in their neighbourhoods. This interest from citizens, with the support from Council, led to the creation of the ELM program.

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