Hello everyone,
Good News
I’m pleased to report that the District of West Vancouver, B.C. Ferries Inc. and the B.C. Assessment Authority have reached a negotiated settlement on a revised assessment for the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal properties of $47,825,000. In November 2012, B.C. Ferries successfully appealed to the B.C. Property Assessment Appeal Board which directed that the Horseshoe Bay terminal assessment of $49 million be reduced to only $20 for 2010, 2011 and 2012. The District immediately launched an appeal to the Supreme Court of B.C. Other parties, including B.C.’s Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the B.C. Assessment Board itself, and several other potentially impacted municipalities also objected to the Appeal Board’s decision.
The original ruling would have translated into a loss of approximately $250,000 in tax revenue to the District for 2013 and the repayment to B.C. Ferries of approximately $750,000 in tax revenues collected since 2010. While the settlement results in reduced property tax revenues of approximately 12.5% from B.C. Ferries, it provides certainty going forward, saves court costs, and obviates the need to rebate the previously paid property taxes.
Upcoming Meetings
The next month will be a busy one, with a number of significant meetings coming up for Council and the community. I encourage you to attend or provide your comments by e-mail to mayorandcouncil@westvancouver.ca:
February 25:
4:30-6:30 Committee of the Whole: Removal of the sound barrier at Gleneagles Elementary School; and update to the draft Wireless Communications Facilities (cell towers) Policy
7:00-9:00 Regular Council Meeting (Finance): Continuation of the Divisional Services Review from Parks and Community Services
March 4*:
7:00 pm Regular Council Meeting including reconvened public hearing for rezoning 1821 Marine Drive (West Van Florist); summary of Ambleside Activation public input
March 6:
6-8 pm Workshop regarding Spirit Trail at Gleneagles Community Centre
March 11:
3-6 pm Committee of the Whole & Finance Meeting: Ambleside Activation – designation as a Business Improvement Area and Market Strategy; Strategic Transportation Plan
6 pm Special Council Meeting: to continue unfinished business from March 4 Regular Council Meeting
All meetings are held at Municipal Hall unless otherwise indicated. As agendas can change until formally posted, please check the district website at www.westvancouver.ca three days before the meeting for the final version.
I appreciate your comments and questions. Please feel free to pass this information along to those who may be interested.
*As I’m recused regarding the redevelopment of the 1300 Block of Marine, please check the district website for information in this regard.
Warmly,
Mary-Ann
