The Town is accepting applications from interested parties to serve on its new “Accessibility Advisory Team”.

The Team will develop a Plan that considers the principles of inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design.

The Team will consist of five to seven members who will be appointed by Council based on their experience and credentials, and to the extent possible, include representation as follows:

• at least half of members to be persons with disabilities, or individuals who support, or are from organizations that support, persons with disabilities;
• at least one Indigenous person;
• members that reflect the diversity of persons in British Columbia; and
• at least one member of Council.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2023. To apply visit our website at  qualicumbeach.civicweb.net/document/9689/

We invite you to attend our Public Works Open House on Thursday, May 25, from 9:45 am to noon, and 1 pm to 3 pm at our Public Works Yard, located at 233 Fern Road East.

Come and see firsthand the hard work that goes into keeping the Town running smoothly. Our Public Works, Parks and Facilities departments will be on site to show you around and answer your questions.

The Open House is part of our celebrations for National Public Works Week (May 21-27) that annually recognizes the work of these professionals and the contributions they make to the Town’s high quality of life!

PROPERTY TAXES

The 2023 property tax notices will be mailed in late May. The due date will be July 4, 2023.

Home Owner Grant

Your Home Owner Grant must be claimed each year that you are eligible. Eligible homeowners must now apply to the Province of BC to claim the grant. After you have received your property tax notice, eligible homeowners can apply either online at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant or by phone at 1-888-355-2700.

Further information on claiming the Home Owner Grant will be included with your property tax notice.

Deferment of Property Taxes

Are you interested in deferring your residential property taxes on your principal residence? The Provincial Government offers two low-interest loan programs for qualifying residents. To determine if you qualify, and for more details on the programs, please visit the deferment website at: gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment (or simply search “Tax Deferment”)

• If you are already on the deferment program, you will soon be receiving a letter from the deferment office. 
• If you selected the “Automatic Renewal” option, you will only be required to claim your Home Owner Grant. 
• If you did not select the “Automatic Renewal” option, and you wish to defer your 2022 property taxes, in addition to claiming your Home Owner Grant, you will also need to renew your deferment agreement online through your eTaxBC account.

UTILITY BILLING

Utility notices for water, sewer and solid waste will also be mailed out in late May. The due date will be July 4, 2023.

The "Waterfront Expansion" project has made huge progress and is looking great!

The result is not only more parking spaces but a safer, wider shoulder for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.

This project involved infilling the ditch on Highway 19A, as well as peripheral works including stabilizing the slope and installing stormwater drainage.

The next steps of the project will to be complete a servicing kiosk with water and power hook-ups next to the Tourist Information Centre, and installing a covered picnic table. These additions will make our waterfront even more attractive to visitors and locals alike.

Visit qualicumbeach.com/water_expan for more details.