Should nothing change, Bowen Island’s looking at a 7.6 per cent property tax increase this year. Last year’s increase was 6.7 per cent.
While Bowen Island Municipality’s 2020 draft budget isn’t yet available, islanders can see highlights on the BIM website.
Among the reasons listed on highlights page for the increases are: replacing and repairing infrastructure (including the Miller Road culvert, Honeymoon Creek culvert, several sections of road, the artificial turf and the salt and sand loader), funding for council strategic initiatives and general operating costs (“due to rising costs in insurance, professional fees for services, contractor services, wages, benefits and other factors.”)
The garbage parcel tax will also go up, from $421 to $600 a year, reflecting the new seven-year contract between BIM and Bowen Waste Solutions and Bowen’s unique garbage needs (it needs to be shipped off-island).
BIM also anticipates spending $6.3 million in general capital fund projects in 2020––the new fire hall, new community centre and multi-use path.
For the average house on Bowen, which is assessed at $1.09 million, property taxes will go up $247 for an annual tax of $3,508.
The entire draft budget should be available online in coming days, at which point a more in-depth examination will be possible. This budget hasn’t yet been approved by council.
