Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Pipeline companies won’t be getting a massive property tax break for Christmas at the expense of some rural homeowners. At least not this year. BC Assessment has backpedalled on a plan to slash the assessed values of transmission pipelines. The move would have resulted in pipeline companies paying significantly less taxes in several municipalities and regional districts, and resulted in local governments significantly increasing property taxes for homeowners and business owners to make up the revenue difference. But after two months of protest and warnings by local government officials, officials in Victoria have announced they won’t be overhauling the pipeline assessments for the coming year. In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District said it had been informed that BC Assessment won’t be changing pipeline values for 2026 ... CLICK HERE for the full story  

A group of Richmond property owners have started a sweeping appeal of their property taxes in the wake of a Cowichan Nation court ruling that has thrown into question private property rights. Property tax expert Paul Sullivan said he’s spearheading a “mass property tax appeal” on behalf of affected homeowners and businesses, whose land values and ability to sell their properties may be impacted by the Cowichan’s recent Aboriginal title victory in BC Supreme Court. “We’re going to appeal on behalf of everyone to BC Assessment and say, ‘Hey, guys: the value of my property isn’t what you say it is, it’s far less as a result of uncertainty,’” said Sullivan, who is the regional lead of Ryan Tax Firm’s BC office. “I don’t think these properties are saleable" ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

Homeowners may be on the hook to cover what amounts to a multimillion-dollar tax cut for pipeline companies operating in BC. After years of lobbying, Enbridge, FortisBC, Trans Mountain and other major companies have convinced BC Assessment to change how it assesses the value of pipelines in the province. A subsequent review has resulted in slashed assessment values, which will, in turn, dramatically reduce the amount of property tax the companies will pay next year. Local taxpayers will have to make up the difference. Outlying communities where pipelines comprise much of the commercial tax base will be most affected ... CLICK HERE for the full story