The regional districts of Bulkley-Nechako and Kitimat-Stikine will benefit from over $1.38 million from the B.C. government as payment in lieu of property taxes for the Alcan Kemano hydroelectric generating station, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender said today.

This year, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine will receive $553,779, while the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako will get $830,667. The payments are calculated in the same way as those made to local governments by BC Hydro for generating facilities.

Under the terms of the Province’s long-standing agreement with Alcan, the Kemano hydroelectric generating facility is exempt from property tax. Similarly, communities that host or are impacted by BC Hydro-owned generating facilities across British Columbia receive payments in lieu of local government taxation.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“Recognizing that hydroelectricity benefits all British Columbians, the Province regards these grants as fair compensation for the regional districts of Bulkley-Nechako and Kitimat-Stikine. The annual payments help these two outstanding local governments provide important services for their citizens, including residents in many smaller communities and rural areas.”

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes –

“The Alcan Kemano hydroelectric generating station benefits from services provided by local governments, and in return communities are able to receive grants-in-lieu of property taxes. This funding will help the regional districts of Bulkley-Nechako and Kitimat-Stikine to provide quality services for local residents.”

Quick Facts:

• The Kemano facility is located partly within each of the regional districts of Bulkley-Nechako and Kitimat-Stikine.
• The payments in lieu of property taxes are based on a 15-year Memorandum of Understanding, approved in 2009, between the B.C. government and the two regional districts.
• With this year’s payment, the Kitimat-Stikine and Bulkley-Nechako regional districts have received a combined total of over $8.6 million under the agreement.

Learn More:

Check out the Government of British Columbia’s role in supporting local governments through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd