Change of Mailing Address

Did you know that certain areas of Ladysmith require a Post Office box number (PO Box)?  As this is determined by Canada Post, the Town of Ladysmith does not know your PO Box unless you provide it to us.  Please contact Canada Post at 610 First Ave to determine if you need a PO Box.

It is important to keep your mailing address current for taxation and utility billing purposes.  Your mailing address is where information about a property may be sent, such as assessment, property tax and speculation tax notices. Property owners are encouraged to ensure it is an address where they can receive mail. It does not have to be the address of the property.

To change your mailing address click here. There is an online, by mail and in person option.  You will be required to login with your BC Services Card for the online option.  You will also be required to provide your property’s Parcel Identifier (PID) which can be found on your BC Assessment notice or look it up hereThe Town of Ladysmith cannot change your mailing address.

Wanting to change your mailing addresses for Building Permits, Dog Licences and Business Licences only?  Please email finance@ladysmith.ca


Learn about your property taxes

Did you Know?

The Town of Ladysmith is only responsible for determining a portion of your overall property taxes. Altogether, 48 per cent of your bill is set by other agencies like Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Cowichan Valley Regional District. Sewer and water parcel taxes make up 18 per cent of taxes we collect and help to ensure the Town’s infrastructure is properly maintained.

PT Pie Chart 2018

*Click on pie chart to expand.


My Property Assessment Went Up.  How Does This Affect My Property Taxes?

The value of your property is assessed by the B.C. Assessment Authority yearly.  

Each January, BC Assessment Authority mails property assessment notices to the owners of 2+ million properties in the province. The notice contains your assessed value, which is the estimated market value of your property as of July 1st of the previous year, the property classification, and tax exemption status. 

In Ladysmith, residential property assessments rose by 7% for 2021, with the average single-family home assessed at $476,000. However, this does not mean that your property tax will automatically increase.  Here is how to tell if you property taxes will go up:  if your assessment has increased more than the average assessment increase in your property class, then it is likely you will see a higher tax increase.  The diagram below is taken from the BC Assessment website. 


**The diagram above assumes that there are no changes in the budgetary requirements of your taxing authority and/or any other taxing agency (from BC Assessment).

If you disagree with your property tax assessment, you must file an appeal with BC Assessment by January 31.  You can call 1-866-825-8322, or complete the form at the following link, which also gives full information about the appeal process:

https://info.bcassessment.ca/Services-products/appeals

Questions relating to your property assessment should be referred to the B.C. Assessment Authority in Nanaimo (#300 - 125 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B2) at 1.800.977.2775 or 250.753.6621.  For more information on the B.C. Assessment Authority, visit the BC Assessment  website.