On January 3 BC Assessment released details on property assessments for the North Coast for the coming year, and the assessments indicate not much has changed from the previous year.
According to deputy assessor Colleen McCombe, most home owners in Prince Rupert and Port Edward can expect a zero to 10 per cent change in their 2011 assessment based on the market value of the home on July 1, 2011. That number is the same as last year when homeowners were told to expect no change to an increase of up to 10 per cent.
However, those who own busiensses in Prince Rupert will see an increase of five to 15 per cent while those who own a business in Port Edward will see anywhere from a five per cent decrease to a five per cent increase on this year's assessment.
Overall the tax roll for Prince Rupert and Port Edward increased from $1.357 billion in 2011 to $1.378 billion in 2012.
On Haida Gwaii, residents of Queen Charlotte will see an increase of up to five per cent while the rest of the island will see no change or a decrease of up to 10 per cent. Commercial property owners will see anywhere from a five per cent drop to a five per cent increase.
The Haida Gwaii tax roll decreased from $437.9 million to $419.5 million this year.
Anyone who feels the assessment doesn't reflect the value of their home can contact the Terrace BC Assessments office at 250-638-1116 or toll free at 1-800-990-1116 as soon as possibe to file a complaint. If that doesn't resolve the issue, homeowners cn submit a Notice of Complaint appeal by January 31 for revie by he Property Assessment Review Panel.