Photo: File

Castlegar tax notices were mailed out on May 13.

If the cheque isn’t in the mail, it might not get there in time.

Castlegar property tax notices were mailed on May 13 and most homeowners in the city should receive the bill in one week.

However, with the potential for a mail service disruption due to a possible Canada Post strike, payment is still due on the tax bill on July 2, even if a postal disruption prevents notices from arriving by mail.

“(R)esidents are reminded that payment must be made on time to avoid a 10 per cent penalty, which is automatically applied to any unpaid taxes after the deadline,” noted Castlegar city communications manager Ginger Lester in a press release.

“If you typically pay by mail, we strongly encourage you to use an alternative payment method if a Canada Post strike occurs to ensure your payment is received by July 2.”

If a notice has not been received by the end of May, people can contact City Hall at 250-365-7227 or [email protected] to request a copy.

Photo: Submitted

A typical residential property in Castlegar, assessed at $520,000, will pay approximately $3,135 in total property taxes in 2025.

Understanding 2025 property taxes

Property taxes are collected annually to fund the essential services and infrastructure residents rely on daily, said Lester.

The 2025 tax rates were adopted by city council through a tax rates bylaw, which sets the amount of tax charged for each property class (e.g., residential, business, industry).

A typical residential property in Castlegar, assessed at $520,000, will pay approximately $3,135 in total property taxes in 2025.

“Of that, 46 per cent goes to the City of Castlegar to fund municipal services such as fire protection, road maintenance, parks, and water and sewer infrastructure,” said Lester.

The remaining 54 per cent is collected on behalf of other taxing authorities, including school district, hospital services, B.C. Assessment, the Municipal Finance Authority and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

Property tax payment options

The city offers the following ways to pay:

• In person or online through your financial institution;
• Deposit a cheque in the drop box at City Hall (460 Columbia Avenue);
• Mail a cheque to City Hall (not recommended if there is a Canada Post strike);
• Cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall; and
• Online via credit card at castlegar.ca/pay-online (note: OptionPay charges a user fee).

— Source: City of Castlegar

Homeowner grant reminder

Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply for the homeowner grant on time to ensure the reduction is reflected on their account.

The homeowner grant is a provincial subsidy that reduces the amount of property tax paid on principal residences.

Since 2021, the Province of B.C. has managed all homeowner grant applications. The city cannot accept applications, but information is included with the property tax notices. To learn more or apply, call 1-888-355-2700 or visit gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant.

• People can visit castlegar.ca/propertytaxes for more details.