Local Improvement Process

Local improvements can be initiated by the residents or the City. If residents wish to initiate a local improvement, please contact the Engineering Department to obtain instructions and package information.

Once the City or residents initiates the local improvement process the following steps are taken:

City Prepares Local Improvement Plan

The local improvement plan must include:

Description of the local improvement with location.
List the properties and persons liable to pay.
How the tax rate will be established.
Estimated cost of the work.
Term of cost to the property owners.
How much of the project cost will be paid by:
- City funds
- Local Improvement Tax
- Other revenue sources (e.g., grants)

Notices Sent to Owners

Property owners in the area of the local improvement are sent notices and detailed plans of the upcoming construction.

Bylaw is Prepared

City Administration prepares a bylaw for the local improvement tax for Council's approval.

30-day Petition Period

For a petition (for or against) to be sufficient, it must have:

• Support from two-thirds (2/3) of the property owners liable to pay the local improvement tax AND must represent half (50 per cent) of the assessed value.

• The validity of the petition determined by the CAO.

If it is determined to be a valid petition against the local improvement, the City will not proceed with the local improvement.

City Council Passes Bylaw

If the local improvement plan has survived the petition process, Council can impose the local improvement tax any time in the three years following the notice. Council can either pass the bylaw before the final cost is determined or wait until the project is complete and the final costs are determined.

Project Begins Construction

Work on local improvement begins. Property owners will be notified of any changes or delays during construction.

Local Improvement Tax is Imposed

Council can either pass the Local Improvement Tax Bylaw before the final cost is determined, or wait until the project is complete and the final costs are determined.