March 20—The Kitmat-Stikine region which includes the District of Kitimat, the City of Terrace, and the Villages of Hazelton and New Hazelton have agreed to raise taxes for the residents.
The average tax rate increase will be 6.65% for 2026.
The tax hike comes from rising costs across multiple services and ongoing operational pressures and maintaining long-term financial stability.
In terrace, the average residential property can expect a tax increase of $19.83, along with a 5.59 percent increase in assessed values.
In Kitimat, residents can expect a much smaller tax increase, averaging $3.53, along with a 3.78 percent increase in assessed values.
Residents in rural areas and outlying communities can expect a much higher tax increase than those living in Kitimat and Terrace.
Thornhill residents can expect a tax increase averaging $113.25.
Hazelton and surrounding areas, can expect a tax increase averaging $115.76.
The regional district said, that these figures are part of the “worst-case” scenario, whereby the property is receiving “all available services” in the area.
Furthermore adding that these figures will only apply to a small number of tax payers.
For the five years, the plan is to use $18.7 million for services, the largest sums are allocated to solid waste infrastructure, water and sewer, emergency services, and dike projects.