VICTORIA - Amendments proposed to the existing property tax exemption provided to independent schools in the Community Charter and the Taxation (Rural Area) Act would ensure that property reasonably necessary for school purposes will continue to be exempt from property tax.

The Property Taxation Statutes (Exemptions) Amendment Act, 2015, was introduced by Minister of Finance Michael de Jong today.

The provisions ensure independent schools that provide equivalent education to the K-12 public system will continue to receive property tax exemptions for playgrounds, playing fields, athletic facilities and other property reasonably necessary for school purposes.

Mandatory exemptions have been in place for independent school property since 1957, covering buildings wholly in use for school purposes and the land directly underneath them. Municipalities also have authority to grant further exemptions for auxiliary property, such as playing fields, playgrounds and parking lots.

In practice, municipalities have historically granted property tax exemptions to additional property owned and operated by independent schools. The proposed amendments include this type of property within the mandatory exemption.

The Vancouver Charter is not being amended as it already contains mandatory exemptions for the associated properties.

Government introduced the legislation for first reading. Second reading will occur at a future sitting of the legislature.

Media Contacts:

Jamie Edwardson
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821