| November 18, 2009 VICTORIA – Burnaby is receiving more than $880,000 from the provincial government through an annual grant-in-lieu of property taxes for 2009. “I’m happy to see this year’s grant has increased by about five per cent,” says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee. “With the current economic situation, it will help the City of Burnaby to provide the services residents need.” “Compensating municipalities for services provided to government properties is the right thing to do,” says Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy. “It also helps reduce the tax burden for Burnaby residents and businesses.” In total, the City of Burnaby will receive $886,243.99. The B.C. Government announced a total of $15.9 million to 63 municipalities as grants-in-lieu of property taxes for 2009. The grants are distributed through the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. In the past, it was the practice that one level of government did not tax the property of another level of government. However, beginning in the 1960s, the provincial government began to recognize its responsibility to compensate municipalities for local services that benefited these properties, such as roads, sewers and fire protection. The grants are based on the assessed value of provincially owned office buildings and other properties in each municipality. Funds are distributed electronically, saving time, money and paper. Since 2002, the Government of British Columbia has distributed more than $140 million as grants-in-lieu to B.C. municipalities. Each municipality sends a portion of its grant-in-lieu to its regional district, and those local governments use the money to help pay for local services. Visit Richard’s website at www.richardleemla.bc.ca Visit Harry’s website at www.harrybloymla.bc.ca -30- |
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