Communities throughout the province including 14 in the north are receiving more than $17 million in grant-in-lieu of municipal property taxes this year.
Prince George will receive $2,365,315 of this funding.
Each November, the province pays grants in lieu of property taxes to municipalities and regional districts for services they provide in their communities such as parks severs, roads fire protection and other infrastructure projects.
The grants are for properties owned by the provincial government, such as office buildings, warehouses, and courthouses. Municipalities use these grants to fund and maintain priority public services and local infrastructure projects.
"Through our annual grants-in-lieu program, we're reimbursing municipalities for the important services they provide to provincial properties so they can fund the services and projects that meet the needs of their communities," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens' Services.
"The funding makes a big difference in communities throughout B.C., particularly now, as local governments and the people they serve navigate the economic impacts of the pandemic."
Grant calculations are determined under the Municipal Aid Act. Schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes and are not part of the grants-in-lieu calculation.
Also excluded from compensation under the Municipal Aid Act are provincial assets, including highways, forests, and parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation.
Other communities in the north who will be getting rants-in-lieu include:
- Town of Smithers - $136,913
- City of Dawson Creek - $ 138,029
- City of Fort St. John - $140,637
- City of Prince Rupert - $41,416
- City of Terrace - $172,226
- District of Fort St. James - $41,506
- District of Mackenzie - $1,141
- District of Stewart - $2,942
- Northern Rockies Regional Municipality - $24,894
- Village of Burns Lake - $8,809
- Village of Hazelton - $21,957
- Village of Masset - $12,527
- Village of Queen Charlotte - $5,434
"The Town of Smithers is pleased the Province of B.C. contributes to community infrastructure via a grant in lieu of taxes," said Gladys Atrill, mayor of Smithers.
"This funding further enables us to budget for works important to residents and businesses such as the annual road and sidewalk program, maintenance of our water and sewer infrastructure, and community protection services like police and fire rescue."
The Ministry of Citizens' Services distributes the funds electronically on behalf of the provincial government.
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