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Castlegar City Council Approves Permissive Property Tax Exemptions for 2026

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Castlegar City Council has passed the first reading of the permissive property tax exemption bylaw for 2026, which will grant approximately $165,000 in municipal tax breaks to around 35 local properties. This exemption represents 1.55% of the city's tax requisition. The exemptions are aimed at supporting community organizations that enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The permissive property tax exemption bylaw for 2026 will grant approximately $165,000 in municipal tax breaks to around 35 local properties.
  • The exemptions represent 1.55% of the city's tax requisition.
  • Organizations that received exemptions include the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce, Blueberry Creek Community School Council, Interior Health Authority, Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society/Doukhobor Discovery Centre, and the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
  • These six organizations account for more than half (56%) of the city's tax exemptions.
  • Other exemptions were granted to non-profits occupying city land, privately-held land used by the city, and museums, community services, community housing suppliers, recreation properties, and places of public worship.
  • Some notable exemptions include:

+ Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce ($59,189)

+ Blueberry Creek Community School Council ($32,195)

+ Interior Health Authority ($28,397)

+ Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society/Doukhobor Discovery Centre ($29,709)

+ British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ($24,293)

+ Fortis BC Energy Inc. - Terasen BTW (Millennium Park) ($13,222)

+ Kootenay Society for Community Living ($9,763)

+ Habitat for Humanity ($6,874)

+ Royal Canadian Legion ($2,529)

+ Castlegar United Church ($1,917)

  • The final adoption of the bylaw is scheduled for October 30, 2025.

Statistics:

  • Total exempted properties: 35
  • Total exempted amount: $165,000
  • Exemption percentage of city's tax requisition: 1.55%
  • Organizations accounting for more than 50% of exemptions: 56%

Sources:

  • Castlegar City Council
  • Castlegar News (2025)

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