2011 Utilities Tax Notice

Hello Lions Bay residents,

I am sending this update prior to you receiving your 2011 Utilities Tax Notice in the mail next week, as you may wonder what happened since the e-post communication from the Village Office on January 11th.  This e-post was sent in response to the  "many emails from residents who had concerns regarding the proposed Secondary Suite Surcharge billing method."  The e-post explained that residents would not have to concern themselves about the negative billing or making an annual statutory declaration.

Last Monday night, at the February 21st Council meeting, an amendment to the Bylaw was introduced by Councillor Akerhielm, rescinding the bylaw that had received 1st and 2nd reading.  The amendment introduced many material changes, the most significant being the following requirement and the fines associated with false reporting:

"When remitting Village utilities taxes yearly, all property owners are henceforth required to report on:

a. Whether the property contains a Secondary Suite; and

b. If so, whether the Secondary Suite is occupied; and

c. If so, whether the Secondary Suite is accommodating the homeowner’s immediate

family, i.e. parents, brothers, sisters, children (including adopted children), father‐inlaw,

mother‐in‐law, sister‐in‐law, and brother‐in‐law, and, in addition, other relatives in

the case that they are being supported financially by the property homeowner."

Despite this being a reversal of the statement on January 11th, this amended bylaw received third reading and last night the bylaw was adopted by a vote of three to two. Mayor Broughton and I voted against for a number of reasons.  Staff are now preparing the 2011 Utility Tax Notice Billing to reflect the requirements of the bylaw. 

If you have any questions related to this bylaw, I am pleased to answer them for you.   Thank you to those that took the time to write to Council, it did have an impact, for a short period of time.

Ruth Simons,
Councillor,

Village of Lions Bay
Box 141
400 Centre Road,
Lions Bay, B.C.
V0N 2E0

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