OUR PROCESS

We’re committed to your success.

At OIB, we pride ourselves on dealing fairly, following business best practices and cutting through the red-tape. Our professional team is ready to work with you, listen to your idea and explore the best options to suit.
SITE VISIT
CONCEPT APPROVAL
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
LEASING PHASE
TAXATION

Let’s find your next business address.

Our land leasing process provides business partners with the transparency, security and certainty that your business needs. It all starts with a site visit where a knowledgeable member of our team will show you the best land options that fit your requirements.

We want to hear about your great ideas.

Based on the land option(s) you choose from your site visit, we’ll send you information about servicing hookups, utilities and taxes, so you can make an informed decision.  Once you’re clear on your concept and land use, we welcome you to make a presentation to the OIBDC executive team so they’re able to provide quick feedback on your early development plans.  If plans are well received, you’ll be invited to submit a formal letter of interest together with a concept plan so both can be presented to the band council who are responsible for signalling the band’s official support for the land use concept.  With this formal support in hand, developers will be asked to provide a standard initial deposit to share in the cost of surveying and securing the land designation.

Community support makes for healthier business partnerships.

All developers know that community support is crucial to long-term success, and your success is a top priority for us.  Like any community, we invite band members to provide feedback on your proposed land use plans. This outreach could involve standard community consultations and/or meetings.  With strong community support in place, zoning through the land designation phase can begin.

Our rates are fair and competitive.

Once the land designation has been granted, a land value appraisal is done to establish the base lease rate.  Annual lease rates are reviewed every five years. A service agreement is also struck for water, sewer and power, hookups, etc..  Service rates are based on those of neighbouring municipalities to ensure our rates are competitive and fair. Payments are due annually.  Once plans are set and all leasing documents are signed, the construction phase can begin. OIB prides itself on the highest standards of safety and quality, so construction must meet BC building codes.

We think the Osoyoos Indian Band is very progressive, and they’ve been very supportive of everything that we’ve done here. I know it’s going to mutually benefit us all and our business is going to grow together.

Daniel Bibby, Executive Director

Spirit Ridge Resort, Unbound Collection by Hyatt | spiritridge.hyatt.com

PROPERTY TAXATION

In 2001 the Chief and Council of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) enacted tax jurisdiction over OIB reserve lands thereby taking an important step towards self-reliance. In 2006 the First Nation Statistical Management Act was passed in Parliament. This Federal legislation allows the First Nation to become taxing authority for property on Reserve. This also allows the Osoyoos Indian Band to borrow from issuing debentures in the open financial market for purposes of Infrastructure development for social and economic development needs.

OIB’s taxation department is responsible for the collection of property taxes from leased lands occupied by non-band members. Properties are located on two reserves (I.R. #1 & I.R. #3). OIB uses the mill rates of the two local municipalities for calculating their tax rates. Tax revenue is used to pay for the services provided to the residents on commercial properties, such as fire protection, water & sewer infrastructure, and road maintenance. OIB sets aside 10% of taxes each year for future capital infrastructure needs. Pursuant to OIB’s OIB Taxation Law 2021, spending is governed by an Annual Expenditure Law.

BC ASSESSMENT

British Columbia Assessment Authority (BCAA) is contracted to provide assessment services. Assessments for property are sent out every year in December. Any appeals need to be sent to BC Assessment Authority by the end of January. (See the back of the Assessment Notice for more details).  BCAA uses the guidelines as set out in the OIB’s OIB Assessment Law 2021. Properties are assessed at actual value as of July 1st of the year during which the assessment roll is completed. The value is determined considering the physical condition and permitted use of the property on October 31st, (December 31st for manufactured homes). BC Assessment Video: Understanding Property

Assessment & Property Taxes
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ1mzeCm5jw

YEARLY TAX NOTICES

Tax notices are sent out on June 1st with a due date of July 2nd. 
Taxes must be paid by cheque, money order, cash or online
banking.

Methods of payments:

  • Debit – in person by machine
  • Cheque/Money Order – in person or mail
  • Cash – in person
  • Online – Osoyoos Indian Band Taxation – Bill Payee
  • Apply for your grant online OR in person.
    * If this is your first time applying for a Homeowner Grant, please contact our office by phone or email.

Instructions for paying your property tax online:

  • Add Payee: Osoyoos Indian Band Taxation
  • Account #: is 10 zeros plus your Folio Number for
    example, if your folio is 10036000 your account number is
    000000000010036000.

Online Grant Applications

  • (Note that you can also still apply for the annual grant in
    person or by mail)
  • Taxpayers can apply for the Homeowner Grants through
    the online portal. The tax team will review and approve
    each grant that comes through for the appropriate
    information and you will receive a confirmation email
    back once approved. Please reference the back of the tax
    notice for grant qualifications.
  • Homeowner Grant Website Login:
  • https://homeowner.smartgroupsoftware.com
  • You will need to have your assessment ID and your
    access key – found on your tax notice!
  • Example:
  • Assessment ID: 151988 (the 6-digit number)
  • Access Key: 7FAPPW

* If this is your first time applying for a Homeowner Grant,
please contact our office by phone or email.

Reference

You can view our complete taxation related laws at the links below.

OIB Tax Rates Law 2023
OIB Assessment Law 2021
OIB Taxation Law 2021
OIB Expenditure Law 2023
OIB Hotel Tax Law 2021

For more information, please contact:

 

Alanea Holmstrom, Taxation Administrator
Phone: 250.498.3444 ext. 3035

 

Banjo Linkevic, Lands & Lease Coordinator
Phone: 250.498.3444 ext.3034
Fax: 250.498.6577