In 2008, the BC government announced property tax relief for non-profit societies to help address housing challenges for our most vulnerable British Columbians. The Assessment Act was amended to create a supportive housing property class; properties designated into that class are valued at a nominal amount.
The Office of Housing and Construction Standards works in consultation with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and BC Assessment to identify supportive housing properties eligible for designation by Cabinet. In order to be considered for designation into Class 3, properties must provide supportive housing and must be funded by the provincial government or a regional health board for that purpose. The housing and on-site support services must be for persons who were previously homeless or are at risk of homelessness, who are affected by mental illness, or who have or are recovering from drug or alcohol addictions. A more complete administrative definition of eligible supportive housing is available here.
Further questions regarding the requirements to be designated as a supportive housing property may be directed to the Office of Housing and Construction Standards at 250 387-6467. For more information regarding the implementation of the classification and assessment of Class 3 - Supportive Housing properties, please contact the Property Assessment Services Branch of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at 250 356-5268. To call either office toll-free, please use Enquiry BC at 1 800 663-7867.
A BC Assessment fact sheet with more information on the new classification for supportive housing is available here.
More information on the classification of property in B.C. is available on the BC Assessment website.
