City Requests Tax Deferrals and Financial Supports from Province

File Number
#2020-14

PITT MEADOWS, BC – Mayor Bill Dingwall, along with 19 other mayors in the region have requested, in writing on March 23, that the Province expand the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program as soon as possible to include all property owners, including residential, business and non-profit organizations. 

“We recognize that this pandemic has caused tremendous financial strain on everyone, particularly families and small business,” says Mayor, Bill Dingwall. “Council and City staff are working tirelessly to respond quickly and effectively to best serve our community during these difficult times. This includes advocating to senior levels of government to help mitigate the impact to residents and businesses by deferring property tax due dates and providing additional financial support.”

The Province of BC, under the Community Charter, has the authority to defer property taxes for municipalities, which are due on the first regular business day after Canada Day. 

Currently, property tax deferment is available to B.C. homeowners who are 55 years or older, a surviving spouse, or eligible persons with disabilities. Deferment is also available for homeowners who financially support a child with disabilities.

The letter, dated March 23, 2020 to the Premier John Horgan and Minister Selina Robinson, requests that the Province act quickly to: 

  • Expand the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program (PPTDP) to include all property owners, including residential, business and non-profits;
  • Standardize and extend the due date for other tax authority levies that are collected on behalf of other taxing authorities such as the Province, TransLink, Metro Vancouver and other regional bodies;  
  • Provide support to all renters and landlords; and
  • Provide direct, unconditional grants to municipalities to cover revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 closures and measures. 

For the latest information, visit pittmeadows.ca/covid19 or the City’s social media channels.

Resources:
BC Economic Development Association
Province of British Columbia
Government of Canada

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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge,
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca