Chamber calls on province for flexibility on property taxes

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to provide businesses and residents with property tax flexibility due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The business group has written to Premier John Horgan and Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson asking the government to allow property owners to apply for a deferral on property taxes and municipal utility service payments until Sept. 30, 2020.

“The reality is that business owners in B.C. have been impacted negatively by the Covid-19 pandemic, including disrupted revenue streams while many fixed costs continue,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president.

“Many are also left with residential mortgages and are caring for children or elderly parents. They require some certainty that they can pay essential bills at this time, while preparing for property taxes in the future.”