Assessment notices mailed out

Owners of more than 78,000 properties throughout Prince George and the surrounding communities can expect to receive their 2015 assessment notices in the next few days.

“Most homes in the area are worth more in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Geoff Radtke, Deputy Assessor with the North Region. “Most home owners in the Prince George Assessment Area will see changes in the zerod per cent to plus-15per cent range.”

Overall, the Prince George Assessment Area’s Assessment Roll increased approximately $586 million from $16.536 billion last year to $17.122 billion this year. A total of almost $201 million of this growth includes subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.

A property valued at $242,000 on July 1, 2013 (the date for the 2014 assessment) is now valued at $251,000.

“Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2014 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Radtke. “If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by February 2, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel.”

The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and typically meet between February 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

The Prince George Regional assessment office is located at 200 – 1488 Fourth Avenue in Prince George. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or online by clicking “CONNECT” at www.bcassessment.ca.

Visit www.bcassessment.ca for more information about the 2015 Assessment Roll including lists of 2015’s top 100 most valuable residential properties across the province.

Of note, BC Assessment has launched a newly-enhanced version of its free e-valueBC service that allows the general public to search, check and compare properties online from across the province. Improved navigation, an interactive map and inclusion of property street-front imagery are among the new features. Also new for 2015, BC Assessment has updated its Customer Service Standards which include ‘commitments to be open and transparent, fair and accurate, timely and accessible, knowledgeable and respectful, and innovative and collaborative.’

“Our service commitments and standards clearly indicate the level of service that you can expect from BC Assessment and ensure we focus on customer needs as we continue to deliver excellent service,” said Radtke.