On April 8, 2025, Revelstoke City Council approved a motion to shift 1 percent of the tax burden from the Business/Other (Class 6) to the Recreation (Class 8) tax class. While this motion was not specifically requested by the Chamber, it was a recommendation from the City’s Finance Committee and it aligns with an issue that has become a growing priority for our organization and our members: the need for a fair and sustainable approach to business taxation. I want to personally thank the Chamber members who came to that council meeting to show their support. 

In recent years, the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce has significantly renewed its efforts on this issue. In 2023, we revitalized our Business Tax Committee, a working group made up of board directors, Chamber members, and myself. This committee has since played a central role in gathering data, analyzing assessment and taxation trends, and bringing forward informed recommendations to City staff and Council. 

This work was reflected in our formal submission to Council in February 2025, which outlined four key recommendations from the Chamber:

• The development of a long-term plan to address tax class imbalances
• Incorporation of the Development Potential Relief program in the 2026 budget
• Clear communication on how new development tax revenues are used
• Better public understanding of how municipal, regional, and provincial tax contributions are allocated

Our renewed capacity has allowed us to show up consistently and contribute meaningfully to discussions that impact the business community in Revelstoke. 

Understanding the Numbers

The concerns raised by local businesses are supported by clear data. Class 6 commercial properties currently represent about 15% of Revelstoke’s total assessment base. However, they contribute nearly 39.35% of the City’s total municipal tax revenue. Meanwhile, residential properties make up more than 70% of the assessed value and contribute less than 51 %of the tax burden.

This creates a structural imbalance that places increasing financial pressure on local businesses, particularly small and independently owned enterprises. When compared to other resort municipalities in British Columbia, Revelstoke continues to rank among the highest for commercial tax (class 6) burden relative to assessed value. We are in the top 3... 

To put this recent shift into perspective, the 1 percent reallocation passed by Council results in approximately 68,000 dollars in collective relief for commercial taxpayers. While small in practical terms, this change does indicate a willingness to begin addressing the issue by Council.

Expanding the Conversation to Utility Rates

With property tax discussions underway, the Chamber is also turning its attention to another emerging concern among our members: commercial utility rates and how they are calculated. These costs are beginning to impact operating budgets and add yet another layer of financial strain.

We will be applying the same structured approach to this issue. Our team is currently reviewing rate models, and will be gathering input from members, to better understand how utility pricing can be improved. We aim to bring thoughtful and realistic recommendations to the City next Fall, that reflect the diversity of our business community.

Why This Advocacy Matters

When municipal costs for businesses become disproportionate, the effects are felt across the community. Increased expenses can slow hiring, delay investment, and ultimately raise the cost of living. In a resort municipality like Revelstoke, where many businesses operate seasonally and margins are tight, these impacts can be even more acute.

That is why our Chamber is committed to this work. Through the Business Tax Committee and our broader Advocacy Committee, we are building a clear, unified voice for business in municipal budget decision-making. This does include; light industry, major industry, recreation and business/other tax classes.

Join the Conversation

Our advocacy is only as strong as the members behind it. If you are a Chamber member who has felt the impact of high taxes or utilities, or if you are passionate about shaping Revelstoke’s economic future, we invite you to join us. Whether you participate in our Advocacy Committee, complete a survey, or attend a roundtable, your input matters.

You do not need to be an expert in taxation or utilities to be part of this work. You only need a willingness to help strengthen our business environment.

Let’s keep moving forward, together.

Caroline Lachapelle
Your Executive Director