Re: March 6, 2013 Prince George Citizen article 'See you back in court'
I would like to clarify information printed in the story titled 'See you back in court'.
Regarding an inquiry to B.C. Assessment, property owner Ian Gibson is quoted as saying "In 10 minutes, the guy had dropped the value of my place $51,000. In a 10-minute phone call. And the only thing I mentioned was because of the Haldi Road recovery centre."
Mr. Gibson did contact B.C. Assessment to have his assessment reviewed; however, the proposed Haldi Road Recovery Centre was not a factor in reducing the property assessment. The review of Mr. Gibson's property assessment revealed some equity issues in the way his improvements had been valued. As a result, a correction was made which resulted in a reduction in value to Mr. Gibson's 2013 assessment.
For the 2013 Assessment Roll, B.C. Assessment estimates the value of properties like Mr. Gibson's based on market value as at July 1, 2012. This value is established by the review and analysis of properties that have sold on the open market. If circumstances create a negative stigma in relation to the sale prices of homes in an area, and market evidence substantiates the existence of a reduction in value, this subsequently would be reflected in the assessed values.
Property owners with questions regarding their 2013 assessment can contact B.C. Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or via www.bcassessment.ca.
Christopher Whyte
Deputy Assessor
North Region
BC Assessment
