Request for a More Equitable Class 8 Municipal Tax Rate for Fort Victoria RV Park
A letter from Goodwill Investments Ltd requesting an adjustment to the Class 8 mill rate for the Fort Victoria RV Park to preserve affordable housing.
Goodwill Investments Ltd 340 Island Highway Victoria, BC, V9B 1H1
February 27th, 2025
View Royal Town Hall Attn: Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Avenue View Royal, BC, V9B 1A6
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
Subject: Request for a More Equitable Class 8 Municipal Tax Rate for Fort Victoria RV Park
I am writing as a concerned stakeholder representing Fort Victoria RV Park, built as a mobile home park in the 1950’s and one of View Royal’s original businesses since well before the area became a town. Our park plays a critical role in providing affordable, low-cost housing to residents through monthly RV spaces, while also attracting summer tourists who support local commercial establishments.
However, the current drastic increase in property taxes places an undue and unfair financial burden on our operations, ultimately impacting the affordability and accessibility of our services. In 2022, property taxes for the Fort Victoria RV Park properties totaled $194,235. Since then, we have seen property taxes rapidly increase to $428,193.
I would like to highlight several key points:
Disproportionate Rate Increases: A portion of the site (127/129 Burnett Road) is designated both Class 8 (recreational/non profit) and Class 1 (residential). Between 2023 and 2024, the Class 1 (residential) rate increased by approximately 6% from 1.96 to 2.08 per $1,000 while the Class 8 rate surged by 15% from 11.7 to 13.5/1,000. This disproportionate rise significantly impacts our overall tax burden, given our mixed property classification.
Impact of Rising Land Values: Due to the “Town Centre” OCP designation of the Fort Victoria Property, recent sales of neighboring properties have driven up local land values, resulting in a significant increase in overall property taxes. In 2010 we tried unsuccessfully to find a way to develop the property and offer an alternative site for Fort Victoria’s 350 households at our property in north View Royal. Unfortunately, since 2010 no other sites have come available. Therefore, we cannot fulfil the OCP designation aims.
Growing Contribution to City Revenue: Fort Victoria RV Park’s contribution to the city's revenue has increased from roughly 2% in 2021 to 3.3% in 2024. This change is largely driven by the accelerated escalation of the Class 8 tax rate.
Affordable Housing and Community Impact: Our park is instrumental in providing low-cost housing through our monthly RV spaces. Increased tax costs force us to consider adjustments that would raise costs for our residents. Moreover, a significant portion of our occupancy comes from seasonal visitors who contribute to local tourism and support nearby commercial establishments.
A Proposal for Adjustment: In light of regional Class 8 mill rate practices—where municipalities like Colwood ($11.3/1,000), Victoria ($6.7/1,000), and Langford ($1.3/1,000) maintain far more balanced tax structures—I respectfully propose that the council review and adjust the Class 8 mill rate for View Royal. An adjustment towards a rate of approximately $8.00 per $1,000 (in relation to the current residential rate of about $2.08 per $1,000) would create a fairer tax environment and allow Fort Victoria to maintain its affordable housing.
I appreciate the complexity of municipal fiscal policies and the need to balance revenue considerations with community support. However, I firmly believe that adjusting the Class 8 mill rate is essential for preserving both affordable housing and the tourism that sustains our local economy.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this matter. I am available for further discussion and would welcome the opportunity to provide additional information or address any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
John Plasterer Director, Goodwill Investments