CHANGING LANDSCAPE: Mega malls to open in late ’16, 3 ROYAL FLUSH: Promoted men’s soccer team thriving, 15 GET FIT IN 2016
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Monthly guide, 12-13
www.delta-optimist.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016
The voice of Delta since 1922
Polar Bears ring in 2016 in style PHOTOS BY GORD GOBLE
SCAN WITH TO REVEAL PHOTOS
More than 300 hearty souls braved the frigid waters of Boundary Bay to take part in the Corporation of Delta’s 36th annual Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach on New Year’s Day. See more photos on Page 7 and at www.deltaoptimist.com.
Sharp increase in assessments A 17 per cent jump in the value of South Delta homes is second highest in Fraser Valley region SANDOR GYARMATI
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
South Delta single-family homes have risen in value by 17 per cent, the second largest jump in the Fraser Valley region, according to B.C. Assessment. The assessment authority this week released its 2016 assessment roll that saw double-digit increases for detached homes in most areas of the Fraser Valley. Only the southern part of
Richmond, at 20 per cent, saw a sharper hike than South Delta. Values are up 12 per cent in North Delta. The assessments for any given year are based on the market value of homes as of July 1 of the previous year. Assessment notices began arriving in the mail this week. “(South Delta) has been active this year with an increase in the number of sales which has put upward pressure on sale prices
which is resulting in an increase in properties assessments,” said Brian Smith of B.C Assessment. According to the assessment authority, increases in the assessed value of single-family homes in Ladner are in the 15 to 25 per cent range, while East Ladner has seen a 10 to 20 per cent jump. Tsawwassen and Beach Grove are seeing increases in the 10 to 20 per cent range and Boundary Bay is up five to 15 per cent.
Townhomes and condos saw more modest increases in the zero to 10 per cent range in South Delta. As far as how increased assessments will impact residents’ property tax bills, much of that depends on tax levels set by Delta council. It also depends on how much homes have gone up in value compared to others. Each individual property belongs to a property class so if a home’s increase is higher than
the average in its class, then their property tax increase is expected to be higher than what council approves. B.C. Assessment has launched a new website at bcassessment. ca that includes more details about the 2016 assessments. Property owners who feel their assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2015 should contact B.C. Assessment. • House prices continue to skyrocket — Page 3
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