Revitalization Tax Exemption Program

The program

Trail City Council has established a Revitalization Tax Exemption Program for all Class 6 (Business) properties to encourage private sector investment in commercial building projects.

The tax exemption program promotes:

construction of new commercial buildings and major renovations of existing commercial buildings;
expansion of the commercial property tax base;
enhancement of the visual appeal of commercial properties in the community;
private commercial investment to strengthen the economy; and,
commercial building expansion to create employment opportunities for residents.

The program is intended to accomplish these objectives by providing tax exemptions to qualifying projects for 5 years.

Property owners undertaking new construction or major renovation projects in the years 2019 through 2022 are eligible for exemption from municipal taxes on the new assessment value attributable to the projects.

Financial incentives

New commercial developments: 100% municipal property tax exemption on increases in assessment value* attributable to the construction project for 5 years. *applies to building improvements and land. Commercial development renovation and façade improvements: 100% municipal property tax exemption on increases in assessment value* attributable to the construction project for 3 years, followed by 60% property tax exemption in year 4 and 40% property tax exemption in year 5. *applies to building improvements only.

Eligibility and FAQs

Who is eligible?

Property owners of Class 6 (Business) properties undertaking new construction or renovations with a minimum construction value of $50,000 in the years 2019 through 2022 are eligible to apply.

Is there a cost to apply?

There is a $50 application fee. This fee can be submitted to City Hall along with the application. Applications are available for download here, or at City Hall at 1394 Pine Avenue in Trail.

Can the Tax Exemption be transferred if I decide to sell my property?

Yes, the tax exemption can be transferred.

The Trail advantage

The City of Trail is situated on the Columbia River in the West Kootenay region of BC and is home to the region’s two largest employers and economic drivers, Teck Trail Operations and the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH), employing approximately 2000 employees.
Trail offers easy access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle and a wealth of sports such as hockey, golf, baseball, skiing and mountain biking. Trail is a 5-Bloom Community, and one of the Communities in Bloom International Winners in 2015. With affordable housing, excellent recreational facilities and civic amenities, and proximity to the world-class Red Mountain ski hill, Trail is a special West Kootenay community to experience many opportunities for living life well and to the fullest.
The Trail Regional Airport, owned and operated by the City of Trail, is also a vital establishment for the region’s economy. Pacific Coastal Airlines accommodates nearly 22,000 passengers with flights daily to Vancouver’s South Terminal.

Download the Tax Exemption Program brochure for more information about Trail.

More information about Trail is also available in the City of Trail 2020 Annual report