The Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake has clarified its 2024 tax increase, standing at a modest 1.3 per cent, ranking among the lowest in northwest municipalities.

This clarification follows confusion among residents due to a system error, initially indicating a significant increase of over $1,000 in tax amounts for some properties.

According to the council's tax rate, the average property tax increase amounts to approximately $78. Variations exist depending on individual circumstances such as property assessment values. However, upon reviewing the tax outputs, village staff identified an error that led to incorrect calculations, resulting in inflated property tax increases.

The Village promptly addressed the mistake in a statement issued on May 28, offering apologies and issuing corrected tax notices with accurate calculations thereafter. Measures have been implemented to prevent such errors from recurring in the future.

The 1.3 per cent tax rate translates to approximately $66,000 village-wide. This year's tax rates are notably lower compared to neighbouring municipalities, with Smithers at 7.2 per cent, Houston at 3.5 per cent, and Vanderhoof at 3 per cent.

A substantial portion, 71 per cent, of Village services are funded by grants and contributions. 

Tax revenue constitutes a significant portion, accounting for 14 per cent of the overall revenue supporting Village services, including wages and daily operations. Capital projects, such as the development of Gowan Road, the restoration of the Heritage Church, and the establishment of new water and wastewater treatment plants, sidewalks, fire hall, and Pioneer lift station, are funded through grants, reserves, and partnerships.