Dear Editor:
Why do Burnaby’s property taxes continue to be higher than Vancouver’s? Just look at the city average of $704,565, where the taxes would be $350 more than they would be in Vancouver. The main reason for this is Vancouver’s lower tax rate.
But why is Burnaby’s rate so much higher? Is it because Burnaby has a long history of overtaxing its taxpayers? Vancouver also has assessment averaging which helps reduce taxes. Why doesn’t Burnaby also have this benefit?
It was recently reported by a council member that our tax rate increase is in the middle of the Metro pack. However, because of the $100 million windfall from an accounting “goof,” Burnaby should be on the top of this pack. Incidentally, Vancouver, Coquitlam, PoCo, Richmond and even New West managed to have lower tax rate increases.
This council seems to have a history of approving high tax increases in the years following an election, but in an election year, the increase drops significantly. Just look at 2014 when the increase was reduced to 1.98 per cent in comparison to 2015’s 2.98 per cent. The 2014 reason for such generosity was the new growth in the Brentwood and Metrotown areas resulting in significant revenue from the new property taxes. These areas appear to be still growing and similar new revenue would be expected, but the rate was still increased by one per cent more.
The problem in Burnaby is one-party rule in city hall with no opposition to question any of the council’s actions.
Wayne Lutz, Burnaby
