The Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition, representing more than 43,000 businesses, is a non-partisan group formed to raise awareness of the high municipal property taxes paid by Vancouver businesses. The coalition is seeking the City of Vancouver’s commitment to permanently bring these taxes into line with regional and national averages.

The municipal property tax rate for Vancouver businesses is one of the highest of all municipalities in the Lower Mainland, and the highest among major cities across Canada.

In Vancouver, businesses pay municipal property taxes at over four times the rate paid by residents.

In 1983, the Vancouver municipal property tax ratio for businesses compared to residents was 2.6:1. By 2005 this ratio had risen to 5.9:1. The 2011 tax ratio has fallen to 4.3:1

A 2006 study carried out by the City of Vancouver estimated residential properties pay $0.56 for every $1 of city services they consume. Businesses, in contrast, pay $2.42 for every $1 of services consumed.

There are eight property classes: Class 1 is residential; Class 2 is utilities; Class 3 is supportive housing; Class 4 is major industry; Class 5 is light industry; Class 6 is business, Class 8 is seasonal, and Class 9 is farm land.

Residential properties account for 92 per cent of the total assessment in Vancouver and are growing faster than commercial properties. This allows for residential tax increases to be spread over a larger number of properties with a reduced impact.

In 2011, the commercial class paid 47 per cent of municipal property taxes and residential class paid 53 per cent.

Since 2006, Vancouver City Council has shifted the levy by 7% over 6 years.