Homeowners across Haida Gwaii were told to expect a slight decrease in the value of their property when their Notice of Assessment arrived this month, while municipal governments on Haida Gwaii can expect less income due to a shrinking tax roll.
The largest drop in both instances is in Port Clements, where the average assessed value fell by 6.3 per cent. That means a home valued at $79,000 in the 2013 assessment will be valued at $74,000 in 2014. At the same time the tax roll in the community fell 3.33 per cent, from $25.75 million to $24.89 million, with the residential tax roll falling from $16.76 million to $15.99 million and the commercial tax roll falling from $5.52 million to $5.31 million.
Homeowners in Queen Charlotte will see assessments fall an average of 2.38 per cent, with a house valued at $168,000 last year assessed at $164,000 this year. The community's overall tax roll fell 1.73 per cent, from $113 million to $111 million, with the residential tax roll falling 2.13 per cent and the commercial tax roll fall 1.18 per cent.
In Masset, home assessments dropped by an average of 2.04 per cent so a home valued at $98,000 in 2013 would be valued at $96,000 this year. Masset saw the smallest decline in its tax roll, falling one per cent from $103 million to $102 million. The residential tax roll fell .83 per cent and the commercial tax roll fell .24 per cent.
Anyone who wishes to dispute the value of their homes is asked to contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-825-8322.