About the Board
The Cochrane Assessment Review Board (ARB) is a quasi-judicial board established under the Alberta Municipal Government Act and Town of Cochrane Bylaw 12/2009 (PDF) (Assessment Review Board Bylaw). It is an impartial tribunal that hears formal complaints against the assessment of properties, businesses and local improvements.
Board members are appointed by Council. Once appointed, members must complete a three-day online certification course offered by the Province of Alberta and successfully complete the online exam before they can sit on a panel. Qualifications must be renewed every three years.
ARB members are responsible for adjudicating complaints. They attend hearings, receive evidence and arguments from the affected parties, and make decisions. They must find facts, interpret and apply the law to every complaint. In addition to the legislation, ARB members are subject to the principles of natural justice and must be free from bias or conflict of interest.
The Assessment Review Board meets as required when hearings are scheduled.