B.C. communities benefit from grants-in-lieu of property taxes
By Nelson Daily Staff
Three West Kootenay cities will benefit from the B.C. Government distribution of $16.9 million in compensation for municipal property taxes.
Castlegar, Nelson and Rossland will net more than $200,000, with the Heritage topping the trio at $183,964.41.
Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed every November as a way to reimburse communities for services that benefited government properties, such as municipally run sewers, roads and fire protection.
“Grants-in-lieu provide much-needed funding for local governments, allowing them to invest extra money into meaningful projects,” said Minister of Citizens’ Services and Open Government Ben Stewart.
“These funds can have a huge impact on communities throughout British Columbia because they help municipalities to continue providing services residents and businesses rely on.”
According to the Municipal Aid Act, a grant-in-lieu is payable on land owned by the provincial government – for example, courthouses, provincial government office buildings, ambulance stations and warehouses.
Since schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes, a grant-in-lieu is not payable on these properties. In addition, highways, forests, parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation are excluded from compensation under the act.
The Ministry of Citizens’ Services and Open Government distribute the funds electronically on behalf of government.
The amounts paid are based on the municipality’s tax rate and the assessed value of the properties.
Castlegar will be handed $21,965.02 while Rossland receives $19,353.98.
Nakusp is the other area receiving $6,483.25.
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