Chamber calls on province for flexibility on property taxes
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to provide businesses and residents with property tax flexibility due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The business group has written to Premier John Horgan and Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson asking the government to allow property owners to apply for a deferral on property taxes and municipal utility service payments until Sept. 30, 2020.
“The reality is that business owners in B.C. have been impacted negatively by the Covid-19 pandemic, including disrupted revenue streams while many fixed costs continue,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president.
“Many are also left with residential mortgages and are caring for children or elderly parents. They require some certainty that they can pay essential bills at this time, while preparing for property taxes in the future.”
Rather than an outright deferral of property taxes, the chamber prefers using applications for deferrals as there will be property owners who are able to pay their taxes by the traditional deadline.
“They should be encouraged to do so as a way of supporting their local municipality or regional district,” said Kempton.
Dan Proulx, marketing and membership coordinator, Greater Vernon Chamber
The chamber is also requesting the province support municipalities, regional districts and other local agencies in their ability to provide services until Sept. 30, 2020.
“We are cognizant that any potential deferral of property taxes could impact municipal and regional district operations. It is important that the provincial government ensure local governments can continue to provide services to residents until any property tax deferral concludes,” said Kempton.