Property Taxes

The City of Prince Rupert collects property taxes each year on behalf of several taxation authorities. Property taxes are collected separately from utility fees, which are levied in March of each year.

How are Property Taxes Calculated?

Property taxes are calculated each year based on the BC Assessment value of each individual property. The City takes in information provided by BC Assessment about changes to overall property values, and adjusts the property tax rates according to the average increase or decrease in values according to property type. Generally speaking, if your property assessment decreased more than the average homeowner, your taxes are likely to decrease. If the BC assessment value of your home increased more than the average owner in Prince Rupert, your taxes may also increase.  Taxes may also increase in relation to the average value of property depending on the inflationary increases experienced by the City with respect to mandated services and community driven services.

BC Assessment provides property assessments at the start of each calendar year. If you would like to dispute the valuation of your home or property, please contact BC Assessment directly. All disputes must be initiated prior to the end of January. Contact information and resources are provided below.

Toll-Free Number: 1-866-valueBC (825-8322)

Outside North America Number: 1-604-739-8588

Fax Number: 1-855-995-6209

City Hall at sunset

Permissive Property Tax Exemptions

By Bylaw and in accordance to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Council may exempt land and improvements from municipal property taxes that are owned and/or operated for charitable, philanthropic, or government purposes. 
4th Ave Church

Home Owner Grant

The Home Owner Grant reduces the amount of property tax you pay for your principal residence and must be claimed yearly by the due date. 
Prince Rupert City Hall

Property Tax Rates

The City bases the ‘mill rate’ (the multiplier used to calculate property taxes) on the average increase or decrease in property assessment values, as well as the projected financial needs of the following year.
overhead view prince rupert

Tax Sales

Each year on the last Monday of September, the City of Prince Rupert holds a ‘tax sale’, or auction of properties with 3 years of unpaid property taxes.

Property Tax Deadlines

Property tax due date: July 4, 2023

Property owners are responsible for payment of property taxes regardless of whether or not a notice is received. Property Tax invoices will be mailed out by the end of May.  If you do not receive one, please contact Finance at 250-627-0964.

Payment must be received before the deadline – postmark is not valid as a date of payment.

If you are a new owner, ensure taxes are paid on your property.  Contact 250-627-0964 if there is any doubt.