November 15, 2011
CHILLIWACK RECEIVES FUNDING GRANT-IN-LIEU OF TAXES
 
CHILLIWACK – Today the Ministry of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government announced a $60,869 grant for Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley 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 taxes.
• Chilliwack will receive $45,245.54.
• Kent will receive $2,454.24.
• Hope will receive $13,169.69.

Quotes:
"These grants are a great way for local governments to reinvest funds back into the community to provide services residents count on."
- Chilliwack MLA John Les

“Providing these grants to municipalities in lieu of taxes on government properties is a way of providing additional funds for important services. I’m pleased to see the communities of Chilliwack, Hope and Kent receiving a share of these grants.”
-Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner

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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