Tax error to be addressed for Lower Nicola properties

MERRITT – The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) have informed property owners in Lower Nicola of an error for property tax notices in relation to TNRD fire protection service.

According to the TNRD, some properties, within Electoral areas “M and “N”, were taxed for fire protection services even though they are outside of the service area boundaries. At the same time, properties within the service boundary were not taxed for this service.

“Like all regional districts in B.C., the TNRD does not collect taxes directly and does not issue tax notices to properties,” wrote the TNRD as a clarification in their statement. “The TNRD has notified BC Assessment and the Property Taxation Branch of this error and is actively working with these provincial agencies to correct the error.”

In response, the Property Taxation Branch has informed the TNRD that impacted properties will receive a revised notice which will include an extended payment due date. Officials said these notices will only go to properties that are within the fire department response area near the City of Merritt and those removed from the fire protection which are west of Lower Nicola, including:

• Lower Nicola
• Miller Estates
• Part of Coldwater Road
• Sunshine Valley
• Canford

For those residents effected and wanting more information, the Property Taxation Branch can be contacted toll-free at 1888-355-2700 or by email at ruraltax@gov.bc.ca.