TRISHA SHANKS
Arrow Lakes News
According to BC Assessment, a crown corporation reporting to the Government of BC, owners of more than 12,000 properties in Nakusp, New Denver, Silverton, and the surrounding rural areas should be receiving their 2015 assessment notices in the mail. $6.8 billion in property taxes each year are raised based on these values, the revenue from which funds the many community services provided by local governments around the province, including the public school system.
“Properties in the Nakusp and Upper Slocan Valley area have remained relatively stable in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Dennis Hickson, Deputy Assessor. “Most home owners in Nakusp, New Denver, Silverton and the surrounding rural areas are seeing changes in the -10 per cent to +5 per cent range.”
Overall, the Villages of Nakusp’s 2015 Assessment Roll remain unchanged at $232 million. The surrounding rural areas’ assessments decreased from $1 billion last year to $973 million this year. In addition, owners of commercial and industrial properties in Nakusp, New Denver, and Silverton will see changes ranging from -5 per cent to +5 per cent.
Any property owner whose information is incorrect or who chooses to dispute the assessed value, which is a reflection of the market value as of July 1, 2014, should contact BC Assessment as soon as possible. Over 98 per cent of property owners accept the evaluations as assessed.
“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by February 2, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” added Hickson.
The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and typically meet between Feb. 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints. The Nelson/Trail Assessment Office is located at Suite 176 – 333 Victoria Street in Nelson. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.