February 2012 Newsletter

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THE CORPORATION OF THE
VILLAGE OF SLOCAN
Village of Slocan Monthly Tax and Utility Prepayment Plan
Questions & Answers
Box 50, 503 Slocan Street
Slocan, B.C. V0G 2C0
Ph: 355-2277
Fax: 3552666
info@villageofslocan.ca
In 2012 the Village of Slocan will be implementing a monthly tax and utility prepayment plan. Detailed information will
be available at the Village Office starting in April for those residents signing up for the program. Those taxpayers
taking advantage of the plan enjoy the benefit of all discounts offered and in addition their payments have earned
interest at better than saving account rates. The Plan will be available to all taxpayers, but it is not mandatory.
Who can take advantage of the plan?
 If your property taxes are paid by your mortgage company, this prepayment plan will not apply to you. Otherwise
the plan is available to all taxpayers
Does the Plan apply to outstanding taxes or utility payments (water and garbage)?
 No, the Plan does not cover outstanding taxes or utility payments. All outstanding charges must be paid in the
same manner as in previous years. The Plan will only be applied to the following year’s taxes or utility payments.
How will the monthly tax prepayment amount be calculated?
 The total of the property tax levies and utility charges will be increased by 10% and then reduced by the Home
Owner Grant, if applicable. This amount will then be divided by 12 and rounded up to the next whole dollar to get
11 equal monthly payments, with the 12th payment being the responsibility of the taxpayer. When the taxpayer
receives their tax notice, they should pay the amount shown as owing and claim the homeowner grant, if eligible,
prior to the penalty date.
Can I reduce my monthly payments?
 Yes, but the monthly payments must not be less than $25.00.
Can I increase my monthly payments?
 Yes, but only within reason. The monthly payment can be increased if the taxpayer feels that the amount will not
provide sufficient funds to pay their utility rate and property tax levies (net of Home owner Grant).
Can I change my monthly payment after the plan has started?
 Yes, a written request will be required to document the change and the same conditions apply; that is the monthly
payment must be within reason and the monthly payment can be increased or decreased provided the payment is
not less than the $25.00 monthly.
What about my Home Owners Grant?
 It is most important that all participants in the plan understand that the 2012 Home Owners Grant must be claimed
prior to the tax penalty due date or a penalty will apply.
Can I make one lump-sum payment?
 No, the purpose of the plan is to enable taxpayers to budget their property taxes over the year.
Can I stop the plan?
 Yes, the plan may be stopped at any time by notifying the Village in writing. This is important since we will
continue to draw payments from your account until advised otherwise. The amounts collected to date will continue
to accrue interest. The accrued interest will not be refunded but remains with the tax account to be credited
against the 2012 tax levies.
Will a T5 income tax slip be issued for the discount (interest)?
 No, current interpretation by Revenue Canada views the credit as a discount against the tax levy, provided total
payments plus discount (interest) does not exceed the tax levy and as such the discount (interest) is not taxable.
Excessive tax prepayments installments will not be accepted. The taxpayer concerned about this matter should
obtain independent advice.
What interest rate (discount) will I receive?
 Interest will be paid from the date funds are withdrawn from the taxpayers’ bank or credit union account to the tax
penalty date. Interest on your credit balance is paid at the rate established by Section 239 of the Community
Charter. The interest rate is currently 1.00%.
.Can I have payments taken off more often than once a month or on a date other than the 15 th of the month?
 Sorry, the administration costs involved require that we have one standard payment date each month.
Can I set the tax prepayment plan up with any financial institution?
 The plan can only be set up with a credit union because other financial institutions apply service charges. Another
alternative method of payment would be post-dated cheques, made payable to the Village of Slocan. Please
contact Village staff on payment methods available to avoid bank service charges.
FEBRUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday to Thursday from 9:00am
to 4:00pm
(Closed from 12 noon to 1:00pm
for lunch)
Closed on Fridays.
..
2012 Council Meeting Schedule:
March 12
August 13
April 10 (Tues) September 10
May 14
October 9 (Tues)
June 11
November 13 (Tues)
July 9
December 10
Council meetings are held on the second
MONDAY of each month (excluding holidays).
HAPPY
VALENTINE’S DAY!
COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY
Columbia Basin Trust, in partnership with the Village of New
Denver and the RDCK, is hosting an information session in
New Denver to build awareness about the 1964 Columbia
River Treaty between Canada and the US. Learn more about
how this international agreement relates to Arrow Lakes Reservoir
and why it’s important to your community, the entire Columbia
Basin and all of BC. Learn more at www.cbt.org/crt.
Just a reminder, all dogs must be
under owner supervision. They are
not allowed to run free in town.
Please walk your dog or find someone
to help you as dogs walking
themselves is prohibited.
FEB. 21st IN NEW DENVER
BOSUN HALL, 710 Bellevue Street
Open House
Free Dinner
Presentation
2pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
7pm – 9pm
RFP 2012 CONTRACT
Springer Creek RV Park & Campground Operator
The Village of Slocan invites proposals for: Operator for the Springer Creek RV Park & Campground.
The Operator will also be responsible for duties related to associated facilities: the Beach area, Kiddies’ Park,
and the Slocan Travel/Visitor Information Booth. Proposals may be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed. For more
information, please visit the Village Office or our web site at www.slocancity.com.
Proposals will be accepted no later than: 4pm, Thursday, March 29th, 2012.
YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEEDS YOU!
The Slocan Fire Department requires more
volunteers to maintain their coverage.
They meet every Tuesday from 7pm – 9pm at
the Fire Hall.
If you are interested, just show up at the Hall,
Or contact:
John Gates, Fire Chief: 250.355.2672
Rick Bergmann, Training Officer: 250.355.2972
Craig Roussain, Captain: 250.355.2267
SLOCAN FITNESS CENTER
NEW EQUIPMENT HAS ARRIVED!
Join personal trainer, Megan Bly, at the fitness center on
Thursdays for your orientation.
FREE to members for the month of March!
12pm – 1pm
Circuit Training Class – Mondays, 9:30am – 10:30am
$10/session
Personal Training by Appointment - $20/session
Trainer Megan Bly creates custom exercise programs that
emphasize muscular balance and targets your unique needs and
goals.
Register Today! 250-355-2355 or slocanfitness@gmail.com
VILLAGE OF SLOCAN MEETING NOTES
February 13, 2012

Jamie Ingram attended the meeting to address the payments owed to the Village under the terms of the License of Occupation for the Slocan
Curling Rink.
Council agreed to meet with the Curling Club to discuss the Slocan Curling Club; and the payment issues of the License of Occupation for the
Slocan Curling Rink were referred to staff for a report.

A report on Council discussions with the Slocan Valley Senior Housing Society (SVSHS) on the possibility of the Housing Society undertaking a
project to construct affordable housing focusing on seniors. Village Council supports the construction of affordable housing focusing on seniors
in Slocan and deems the property immediately behind the Wellness Centre, Fletcher Avenue to the south, Park Avenue to the north and Hume
Street to the east, to be the most appropriate location.
Subject to section 26 of the Community Charter, Council has agreed to dispose of the property legally described as Lots 13 – 20 inclusive, Block
22, Plan 496, District Lot 292 to the SVSHS. Following the publication of the Notice of Proposed Disposition, an agreement defining the Village and
the SVSHS duties and responsibilities as they relate to the development and ownership of the subject property will be drafted. The financial
consideration to be received by the Village for disposition is $5.00.

A report from the CAO that the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs is accepting applications for 2012/13
funding year. Public input meetings on the applications needs to take place during April & May and funding released in June.
The Village is seeking 5 Village residents to participate on the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs Local
Selection Committee. Closing date to submit your name to the Local Selection Committee is March 1, 2012.Information available at the Village
Office.

Gail Morris of Slocan Gardening Concepts has notified the Village that she is terminating the Springer Creek RV Park and Campground
Operations Agreement.
Council approved the issuance of a ‘request for proposals’ for operation of Springer Creek RV Park and Campground with a closing date of March
29, 2012. Details are available at the Village Office.

Council agreed to participate in the 2012 AKBLG Conference and AGM in Trail, April 19 – 21.

Council received a letter from Kathy Pryor expressing her interest in applying for the RV Park Campground contractor position. Kathy Pryor to
be notified of the RFP.

Council received a letter from Brenda Brown, requesting Council consider developing a fenced ‘dog park’. Developing a ‘dog park’ will require
community input and budgetary consideration.


Council received a letter from Willo Treschow and Kathy Pryor expressing their interest in restoring and leasing the old W.I. Hall. Prior to
considering any future use of the WI Hall the Village needs to complete an assessment of the building. Any future use will require community
input and budgetary consideration.
Mayor Perriere reported on her discussions with Dr. Carolyn DeMarco on the possibilities of establishing a rural locum in the Village of Slocan.

The Village of Slocan Traffic Bylaw, No. 617, 2012, was given 2nd & 3rd readings.

The Tax and Utilities Prepayment Plan Bylaw, No. 618, 2012, was adopted.

The Village of Slocan Green Fleet Policy No. 2012-026 was approved.

Peggy Ingram explained the benefits of a joint community advertising effort for the Spring & Summer GO & DO magazine. Council agreed to
participate in the group advertising project and contribute $400 towards the cost of the project.

Correspondence from Jeff Berdusco, working for Rainbow Resources, outlining a Notice of Work application for mineral exploration within the
Springer Creek drainage in the summer of 2012. Village Council to schedule a meeting Jeff Berdusco to discuss their Notice of Work.

A request from the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society that Council designates a member as a primary contact for lake stewardship issues.
Councillor Lunn will be the primary contact for lake stewardship issues.

The CAO updated Council on the development of a new Village website.
Just a reminder that bus passes and Fitness Center
passes are available for purchase at Mountain
Valley Station.
Thank you to Mountain Valley Station for providing
this service!
STREETLIGHTS
Please contact the
Village Office if you
notice streetlights are
not working.
Columbia Basin Trust
Community Initiatives Grant
The Village of Slocan is seeking five Village residents to act as the Selection Committee
for the Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives Program. Duties will involve
reviewing applications and public presentations and making recommendations to Council.
Please contact the Village Office by March 1st if you are interested.
ALSO, if you have a project proposal, all applicants will be considered including
registered and non-registered, non-profit/not-for-profit groups and other legal
entities. Come to the office to pick up a package or visit:
www.rdck.bc.ca/corporate/grants/cbt.html
March 5, 2012, 4:30pm PST is the deadline.
Applications may be submitted to the Village Office,
or to the RDCK: Attn Judy Madelung, Box 590, Nelson BC V1L 5R4
jmadelung@rdck.bc.ca
Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer
job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping both students and their
communities.
The program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50
or fewer employees to create summer jobs for young people ages 15 – 30 years old, who are full-time students
intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
Canada Summer Jobs provides work experiences for students, supports organizations,
and recognizes that local circumstances and priorities vary widely.
The application period for Canada Summer Jobs is now open – February 1st to February 29th, 2012.
For information on the program, please visit:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml
Please check for local opportunities on the following web site:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/csj/2012/local/
british_columbia/british_columbia_southern_interior.shtm
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