Victoria/Fraser Valley – This month, the B.C. government distributed over $16 million to 54 communities around the province in lieu of municipal property taxes.
Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed every November and reimburse local B.C. municipalities for the services they provide to the public and their support of public infrastructure, such as parks, municipally run sewers, roads and fire protection.
Schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes and are not part of the grants-in-lieu calculation. Also excluded from compensation under the Municipal Aid Act are provincial assets including highways, forests, and parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation.
The Ministry of Citizens’ Services distributes the funds electronically on behalf of the provincial government.
Municipalities and districts to receive grants-in-lieu in 2017
Abbotsford $167,769.74
Chilliwack $34,447.68
Hope $17,293.38
Maple Ridge $1,200,424.79
Merritt $31,086.28
