Province delivers grants-in-lieu to Abbotsford and Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK/ABBOTSFORD — Residents of 55 B.C. communities, including Abbotsford and Chilliwack, will benefit from approximately $17.3 million in grants-in-lieu of municipal property taxes this year.

The City of Abbotsford will receive around $106,161 from the province, while the City of Chilliwack is set to obtain $31,814.

“Through our annual grants-in-lieu program, we’re supporting the essential work local governments do to build stronger communities and provide the services people depend on,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services in a news release. “This funding helps improve people’s lives by giving municipalities extra resources to plan, enhance and build vital local services and amenities.”

Provincially owned land and property, including office buildings, warehouses and courthouses are exempt from municipal taxes. Instead, the government provides a grant-in-lieu. Schools and hospitals are also exempt from paying municipal property taxes but are not included in the calculation of grants-in-lieu.