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Optimist Delta
YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL SPORTS, NEWS, WEATHER AND ENTERTAINMENT! WWW.DELTA-OPTIMIST.COM The Voice of Delta since 1922 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011
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Chilly dip starts the new year off right More than 200 take Polar Bear plunge Over 200 brave souls took part in the New Year’s Day ritual at Centennial Beach where the water temperature was a chilly 1 C.
PHOTOS BY
CHUNG CHOW
Property values on the rise Delta homeowners to see increases of five to 15 per cent on assessment notices BY
JESSICA KERR
jkerr@delta-optimist.com
01011304
Market values for residential properties are up around the Lower Mainland and South Delta is no different. B.C. Assessment estimates that residential property market values in Delta increased by 9.22 per cent in the last year. Local business properties are up an estimated 5.65 per cent. Neighbouring Richmond saw the greatest increase in the province (based on municipalities with a population of more than 5,000) with an estimated increase of
17.14 per cent to residential property values. “Most homes in Richmond and Delta are worth more on this year’s assessment roll than they were on the 2010 assessment roll,” said deputy assessor Craig Barnsley. “Most homeowners in Richmond will see increases in the 10 per cent to 30 per cent range while Delta residents will see a more modest increase in the range of five per cent to 15 per cent.” Elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, B.C. Assessment estimates the residential market value increased 12.17 per cent
in Vancouver, 7.58 per cent in Surrey, 6.02 per cent in White Rock, 12.07 per cent in Burnaby, 9.12 per cent in Coquitlam, 9.11 per cent in New Westminster, 8.84 per cent in North Vancouver district, Langley township 6.55 per cent, and 13.03 per cent in West Vancouver. An increase in property assessment does not necessarily translate into an increase in property taxes. What typically makes the difference is if an assessment rises or falls beyond the average. Assessment notices were mailed on Dec. 31 and should start arriving in mailboxes this
week. Property owners who feel the assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2010, or who see incorrect information on the assessment, are asked to contact B.C. Assessment as soon as possible. If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to an appraiser, they may submit an appeal by Jan. 31, said Barnsley. The Richmond/Delta assessment office is located at 20011331 Coppersmith Way in Richmond. During January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
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Around 230 registered swimmers started 2011 off with a chilly dip in the waters of Boundary Bay on New Year’s Day. Participants braved the 1 C water at Delta’s 31st annual Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen. The air temperature was 5 C. A couple thousand spectators watched the swimmers, who were to head into the water at 1 p.m. and be out five minutes later. The crowd enjoyed entertainment before the simmers jumped in, including costumed stiltwalkers. Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place swimmers to the bell. Jeremy Alger finished first, Eric Goodman was runner-up and Eric Gaspard came in third. Volunteers from Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary — Unit 8 Delta watched over the event.
See more photos on Page 14 and at www. delta-optimist.com