November 17, 2009
City of Kamloops Receives More Than $1.2 Million in Lieu of Taxes

KAMLOOPS – As an important regional centre for provincial government services, Kamloops is receiving a total of $1,266,204 as grants-in-lieu of property taxes for 2009.

“The Province is a major employer here in our city. The size of this grant reflects that, as well as our government’s regional commitment to the City of Kamloops,” says Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger.

“As a former mayor, I know this money is appreciated and supports the excellent infrastructure and services we enjoy in Kamloops such as the Tournament Capital Centre,” says Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.

The Province distributes grants-in-lieu of property taxes to compensate municipalities for local services that benefit government properties, such as roads, sewers, and fire protection.

The grants are based on the assessed value of provincially owned office buildings and other properties in each municipality. Funds are distributed electronically, saving time, money and paper.

Since 2002, the Government of British Columbia has distributed more than $140 million as grants-in-lieu to B.C. municipalities. Each municipality sends a portion of its grant-in-lieu to its regional district, and those local governments use the money to help pay for local services.

For more information about local announcements, visit Kevin’s website at www.kevinkruegermla.bc.ca and Terry’s website at www.terrylakemla.bc.ca.

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