November 15, 2011
ABBOTSFORD RECEIVES FUNDING GRANT-IN-LIEU OF TAXES
 
ABBOTSFORD – Today the Ministry of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government announced a $211,285 grant for Abbotsford in compensation for municipal property taxes. 

Why this Matters:
• These grants are distributed as a way to reimburse municipalities for services benefitting government properties, such as sewers, roads and fire protection.
• The amounts paid are based on the assessed value of the properties and the municipality’s tax rate.
• 64 communities across British Columbia will share $16.9 million in grants-in-lieu of property taxes.

Quotes:
"These grants provide additional funds for our local government to invest into the community and provide the services that our citizens count on."
- Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen

“This government recognizes the importance of compensating municipalities for local services that benefit government-owned properties. This money will go towards providing important services for our community.”
-Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong

“The funds are transferred electronically. This means they’re immediately available for local governments, and can be put to good use right away.”
-Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes

Additional information:
• Since 2002, the Government of British Columbia has distributed more than $173 million as grants-in-lieu to B.C. municipalities.
• Each municipality distributes a portion of the funds to its regional district, and those governments use the money to help pay for local services.

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