Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Improvement District?
An Improvement District is a local authority responsible for providing services for the benefit of the residents in a community. Sometimes compared to a co-op, they vary considerably in size, from small subdivisions to larger communities, and are usually located in rural areas of British Columbia.
Essentially, property owners share the cost of water distribution, fire protection, or street light service. These services are financed by taxation or user fees.
Every Improvement District is governed by a board of elected trustees (elected by area property owners), one of whom acts as the board chair. The Board of Trustees enforces the Improvement District’s regulations and charges, assesses and collects taxes, acquires, holds and disposes of lands, borrows money and expropriates lands.
The Improvement District’s bylaws are governed by BC Local Government Act and other applicable provincial statutes.
Most Improvement Districts are located within the boundary of a Regional District, yet the Improvement District and Regional District are independent of each other. Improvement Districts are sometimes located inside municipalities. Overlaps in jurisdiction can and do occur, therefore co-ordination between the two bodies is essential.
Regional Districts can apply for grants on behalf of Improvement District; for infrastructure planning and capital grants.
Over the years, many Improvement Districts have either incorporated, as municipalities, or have transferred the services they provide to municipalities or regional districts.
For more information about Improvement Districts: Improvement Districts
Who Pays Water Tolls and Parcel Taxes and at What Rate?
Improvement District Taxes cover Water Tolls and Parcel Tax.
Provincial Tax covers Fire Protection (and other things).and are administered by the Province.
Bylaws related to Water Toll and Parcel Tax are reviewed annually and subject to change.
Land Parcel Tax Classification (as defined under By-Law No 105 dated Nov 8, 1989 and entitled “24th Assessment Bylaw”) are as follows:
- Group A Shall comprise each, and every parcel of land to which water is or can be supplied from the existing works of the District.
- Group B Shall comprise each, and every parcel of land not classified Group A.
- Group C Shall comprise each, and every parcel of land which was within the District Boundaries prior to May 1985.
2025 Rates for Parcel Tax: $720.00 (includes Street Lighting: $70.00)
2025 Rates for Water Tolls: $735.00 non metered rate
2025 Metered Water Tolls: Commercial Metered Rates are calculated as follows:
- The quarterly rate is $183.50 which includes 50 m3 of water.
- Any usage above 50 m3 is billed at $2.50 per m3.
Gillies Bay Improvement District Bylaws
When are Invoices Sent Out?
- Invoices are mailed in January.
- Water Tolls and Parcel Taxes are due by March 31.
- Commercial Water Tolls are invoiced quarterly; March 31, June 30, Sept 30, Dec 31.
What are My Payment Options?
- Payment by cheque: mailed to the Gillies Bay Improvement District; Box 102, Gillies Bay, BC V0N 1W0
- Payment by cheque or cash: in person at the GBID Fire Hall; Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Payment online: at the Texada First Credit Union
- Payment by eTransfer: to admin@gillies-bay.ca (type your folio number on the Memo line).
Do I Need a Building Permit to Build in Gillies Bay Improvement District?
The BC Building Code applies to all lands within the Province of British Columbia. The qathet Regional District has not adopted a Building Bylaw to implement building inspections or issue building permits. However, builders are required to build to code.
Regional District Land Use and Development Resources
Planning to develop your property? Download this:
https://www.qathet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200908_Development-Brochure_final.pdf
Land Use Bylaws for Texada Island
Texada Island Official Community Plan, Bylaw No. 395, 2005
Texada Island Zoning Bylaw No. 99, 1982
Texada Island Community Watershed Protection Bylaw No. 237, 1993