Whereas a number of communities in BC host federal port facilities within their jurisdiction; And whereas many of these communities struggle with raising taxation revenue to support infrastructure deficits and service provision; And whereas the BC government has restricted municipal taxation on ports under the Ports Property Tax Act: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocate to the BC government to remove or increase the port tax cap thereby ensuring that port industries pay a fair share of taxes in the local communities in which they operate.
Ministry of Finance The Ports Property Tax Act PPTA provides a cap on municipal tax rates for prescribed port types. Recognizing that this places limitations on property tax revenue, the Province provides compensation for municipalities where the applicable tax rate was above the cap when the PPTA was implemented. The compensation amounts are increased each year by the Consumer Price Index plus 1 percent. The PPTA plays an important role in promoting the competitiveness of BCs ports and the trade corridor. Further, BCs port competitiveness is important to supporting well-paying jobs and economic development in port communities and throughout the province. Balancing the objectives of attracting and maintaining the port industry and sustaining a healthy and safe community is an ongoing challenge. The Province is not considering repealing or increasing the tax rate caps at this time but will continue to monitor the situation.