Grants-in-lieu cover the property taxes of provincial buildings such as the Vernon Courthouse (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Reimbursing municipalities

Vernon to receive $128k in grants-in-lieu of taxes

Nov 10, 2021 | 12:30 PM

The provincial government will be providing $128,714 to the City of Vernon in grants-in-lieu of municipal property taxes.

The grant will reimburse the city for the use of provincially owned properties in the community such as office buildings, warehouses and courthouses. The grants can be used by municipalities 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 the calculation are provincial assets such as highways forests and parks under the control, management or administration of Crown corporations.

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The $128,714 being distributed to Vernon is part of the $17-million worth of grants-in-lieu of taxes being distributed to 55 communities across the province.

The Village of Lumby is receiving $4,408.

List of Interior communities gettign grants:

• City of Nelson – $188,161
• City of Castlegar – $27,026
• City of Cranbrook – $32,041
• City of Kamloops – $1,448,829
• City of Kelowna – $186,834
• City of Merritt – $31,455
• City of Penticton – $108,797
• City of Revelstoke – $28,881
• City of Rossland – $21,188
• City of Salmon Arm – $17,553
• City of Vernon – $128,714
• City of Williams Lake – $92,561
• District of 100 Mile House – $20,885
• District of Invermere – $11,466
• District of Wells – $1,829
• City of Quesnel – $69,692
• Town of Oliver – $6,381
• Village of Lumby – $4,408
• Village of Nakusp – $8,103