WHEREAS the process for BC Assessment Authority valuations and appeals for business, industrial and utility property classes can cause significant uncertainty for local government taxation, sometimes over several years; AND WHEREAS recently, and in the past, the process has often limited the ability of communities and regions, particularly those in the resource-based, rural areas of the province, to develop reliable long-term financial plans and to project relatively accurate tax rates for all classes: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities establish a Task Force comprised of representatives from local government, the Province and the BC Assessment Authority to seek new legislative remedies to create greater certainty for business, industrial and utility property class assessments.
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue The Province of British Columbia Province is conducting a broad review of the BC Assessment Authority, focusing on governance, service quality to citizens, assessment methodology, and assessment policy. In the course of this review, the Province is looking at specific property types, such as ports and ski hills, to ensure the valuation methodology provides accurate and supportable assessments. One of the underlying goals of this review is to bring additional certainty to future assessments for these important industries. In addition to examining specific valuation issues, the review will ensure that the appeal system is flexible, fair and equitable to the taxpayer, as well as effective, accessible and affordable. All property owners have the right to appeal their property assessment, and this contributes to the fairness, consistency and integrity of assessments in British Columbia. Overall, the complaints and appeals process has responded effectively to inquiries received each year. Through consultations with industry stakeholders, the UBCM, and other government ministries and organizations, all interests are being taken into account in developing any proposals for changes to property valuation methodology and the assessment appeal system.