The City of Quesnel and the District of Wells are receiving grants from the provincial government, which are given to municipalities in lieu of property taxes.
Quesnel and Wells are two of the 54 municipalities where residents will benefit from new and updated public infrastructure and critical services, thanks to grants in lieu of property taxes totalling more than $16 million.
“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,” Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Citizens’ Services, said in a press release from the provincial government. “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.”
The City of Quesnel is receiving $65,198 from the Province, while the District of Wells is receiving $2,537.
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, sewers, roads and fire protection. 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.
Grant calculations are determined under the Municipal Aid Act. Provincially-owned properties are exempt from taxes under the federal Constitution Act. However, for certain properties, such as government buildings, the Province pays a grant in lieu of taxes. Other provincially-owned properties, such as roads and parks, are exempt from paying grants in lieu of taxes under the Municipal Aid Act. Schools and hospitals are also exempt under the law, as they are not owned by the provincial government, according to the news release.
— Quesnel News Staff
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