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Court upholds TimberWest’s petition against Campbell River’s tax rate for forest land

TimberWest’s petition to the B.C. Supreme Court to set aside the City of Campbell River’s 2009 tax…

TimberWest’s petition to the B.C. Supreme Court to set aside the City of Campbell River’s 2009 tax rates bylaw as it applies to managed forest land has succeeded. In the Reasons for Judgment handed down on Dec. 31, Madam Justice Gerow declared that the sum of $1,211,639 was unlawfully levied by the City on TimberWest. The portions of the bylaw affecting TimberWest’s managed forest lands and the related property tax notices have been set aside.

TimberWest is one of several B.C. forest products companies to revolt against property taxes in 2009, either by challenging the tax rates in court, withholding taxes, or both. Catalyst Paper Corp. withheld taxes and launched court challenges in four B.C. communities, but has lost three of the court cases in recent months. The company is appealing the cases.