KAMLOOPS — British Columbians whose properties were impacted by the 2021 wildfires are asked to connect with BC Assessment for assistance in determining their property's accurate status.
"We understand that 2021 has been a very difficult and stressful year for British Columbians who have had to deal with wildfires," says BC Assessment Assessor Tracy Shymko. “BC Assessment is here to help with all your questions and concerns regarding any impacts to your property values."
“Affected property owners are encouraged to contact us to report any damage or loss, so that we can ensure we have an accurate assessment of your property which could impact changes to your 2022 property taxes," adds Shymko. “It is vital that you connect with us before October 31 in order for your 2022 property assessment to be correctly calculated."
As per the Assessment Act, 2022 property assessments in British Columbia are based on their market values as of July 1, 2021 and their physical condition and actual use as of October 31, 2021.
It is that physical condition, as of October 31, that BC Assessment is asking impacted property owners to self-report. BC Assessment is mailing self-reporting forms to identified property owners within wildfire regions. However, BC Assessment recognizes that impacted property owners may not have easy access to receiving their mail and is urging such property owners to contact BC Assessment for assistance.
Impacted property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or online at bcassessment.ca. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Property owners can simply provide their property's address and state that they want to report their property's physical condition and the extent of any damage resulting from the wildfires.
Media contacts:
Tracy Shymko, BC Assessment
Tel. 1.866.825.8322 Ext. 23231/ Email: tracy.shymko@bcassessment.ca
