Whereas parcel taxes and utility fees have risen substantially in recent years, adding to the increased cost of living for British Columbians; And whereas eligible property owners can defer their property taxes under a provincial deferment program: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government to expand the existing property tax deferment program to include local government parcel taxes and utility bills.
Ministry of Finance The province understands that the rising cost of living is putting a strain on household finances and that some property owners need help to reduce their tax burdens. The province offers property tax relief to eligible homeowners through various programs, such as the home owner grant, the low-income grant supplement program, and the property tax deferment program. The property tax deferment program is a provincial program that helps seniors and families with dependent children stay in their homes by providing a low interest loan to help pay the annual property taxes on their principal residences. The province is not actively considering an expansion of the property tax deferment program to include local government parcel taxes and utility bills.