Every year, B.C. gives money back into its communities for vital services they provide to residents like parks, roads and fire protection.
These are known as grants in lieu of property taxes and today (Nov. 14), the City of Prince George was given $1,838,033 and the money will be earmarked for updating key infrastructure and critical services.
Prince George received the third-highest grant of the 54 municipalities listed by the provincial government behind Victoria ($3,843,949) and Vancouver ($2,179,098).
As per the federal Constitution Act, the province is exempt from paying taxes to municipal governments and compensates them for providing local services on provincially-owned property.
This ranges from office buildings to warehouses and courthouses.
“We’re proud to support the important work local governments do every day to create jobs, strengthen our local economies and deliver the services British Columbians rely on,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Citizens’ Services in a news release.
“These annual grants play a critical role in helping local governments with planning – they use the funding to provide vital services and infrastructure that help improve people’s lives.”
In total, the provincial government handed out $16 million to those communities and regional districts.
The second-highest amount in the northern region went to Fort St. John at $147,343.
