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qathet Regional District supports tax deferral

Directors call for expansion of provincial program
qathet Regional District board
qathet Regional District board. Peak archive photo (photographed prior to pandemic and physical distancing requirements)

qathet Regional District (qRD) has voted to send a letter to the provincial government requesting a review and expansion of opportunities for deferring 2020 property taxes.

At the March 30 regional board meeting, the board also voted to request that the BC government reduce any fees and interest charged on 2020 property tax deferrals.

City director George Doubt, who chairs the regional district’s finance committee, said in recognition of the current COVID-19 crisis, a large number of people are in uncertain times right now in terms of income. He said jobs are being curtailed, people are being laid off or can’t go to work because their businesses cannot be open in these emergency circumstances.

“I’ve been wondering what we could do to help taxpayers in the regional district to get through this,” said Doubt. “Currently, there is the tax deferral program run by the provincial government that allows people under certain circumstances, with a certain amount of equity in their homes, to borrow money from the province at a very low interest rate, deferring their taxes.”

Doubt said the current program focuses on seniors and families with children.

“The province would then pay to the regional district the taxes the person owes and the regional district would be secure in its income,” said Doubt. “The person would avoid being delinquent on their taxes, which comes at a much higher cost. It would provide a way for people who couldn’t pay their taxes to deal with it.”

Doubt said there is room to expand that program to be applicable to more people. He said he has seen a request from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business requesting the same thing for commercial properties.

“I know the provincial government has already said to businesses that they are going to delay the tax collection date, which is a different thing than a deferral,” said Doubt. “With a tax deferment program, it could be deferred for the rest of your life.

“It’s a reasonable thing to do. It’s not a free pass but it is a respectable way for people to maintain their status on their property and to make sure the taxes are paid at a lower cost. It could be useful.”

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said he thinks it is a good proposal. He asked board chair Patrick Brabazon if it had come up during calls he’s had with other governmental officials.

Brabazon said it had not come up. Chief administrative officer Al Radke said during the meetings, they are being encouraged to provide the provincial government with the gaps that are being identified.

Fall said the province has come up with financial support for individuals, families and businesses, and the qRD recommendation is a direct way the province can provide support for those who really need it, who are facing risk to their homes without it impacting local governments.

Brabazon said he thought it was a good idea.

Doubt said City of Powell River had passed a similar motion.