PST returns
Powell River’s businesses are being encouraged to prepare for the return of the provincial sales tax (PST), which is set to take effect on April 1.
The provincial government has released a draft consolidation of the PST sales tax statute to help residents and businesses with its re-implementation. Final amendments to the legislation will be introduced to the legislature in February for approval. Draft regulations that complete the legislative package will be released with or before the introduction of the amendments to the legislature.
Prior to the introduction of the 12 per cent harmonized sales tax (HST) in July 2010, BC residents paid a combination of the federal government’s goods and services tax (GST) and the PST on most items. The HST was defeated in a province-wide referendum in the summer of 2011, after a successful campaign to scrap the tax.
The seven-per-cent PST is being re-implemented on April 1 with all permanent exemptions. Consumers will pay PST only on those goods and services that were subject to the tax before July 1, 2010. Consumers will again not pay PST on purchases like food, restaurant meals, bicycles, gym memberships, movie or event tickets, or for personal services like haircuts.
A recent survey conducted by the BC Chamber of Commerce found 63 per cent of 970 businesses across BC that participated in the survey did not feel prepared for the transition.
More than a dozen publications that provide plain-language guidance on the application of PST and related exemptions were distributed in the fall. Recent publications include notices for the restaurant industry, telecommunications services and services to tangible personal property. More notices will be released over the coming months.
Consumers and businesses can also refer to an updated “What’s taxable, what’s not” guide covering many common goods and services. Information is available online.
BC’s government is providing a wide range of tools and services to help businesses understand how the PST works and how to register using the new eTaxBC e-services option. Starting on January 2, eTaxBC services are available for online registration, making compliance with the PST easier. Businesses can also register at Service BC centres or by mail or fax. A new PST number will be assigned once the business registration application is processed.
Tools and services available to help businesses prepare for the re-implementation of the PST include: one-on-one consultations with a government tax specialist; online webinars covering the general principles of the PST and eTaxBC; PST bulletins and notices; and videos, including an overview for businesses and online registration.
Businesses with questions about the PST can call a toll free help line at 1.877.388.4440 or email questions to [email protected].
Texada burn
A large fire on Texada Island late Wednesday, January 9, caught the attention of many Powell River residents.
According to Donna McPherson, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, the fire was part of a registered burn by Texada Quarrying Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lafarge Canada Inc. “When a company has some woody debris to dispose of, what they do is call us and let us know where it’s going to be,” she said. “They have to abide by the Wildfire Act and regulation, which specifies how big the piles can be, where they can be and how far away from other things.”
As well, permit holders have to abide by the ministry of environment’s venting regulations, McPherson said. “They have to choose days that comply with the Air Quality Act,” she said. “It helps in choosing days where the smoke is predicted to go up, as opposed to settle down and cause problems for other people.”
The fire was a regular burn consisting of native species trees and brush, said Shawn Holloway, quarry site manager. “It is normal operating procedure to stockpile this material as reserve area is exposed for quarrying,” he explained. “The stockpiles are burned only when environmental indexes dictated by Environment Canada are met. The quarry employs a specialized local contractor to clear trees and conduct the burn in accordance with all regulations.”
Main design
City of Powell River council has approved a tender award for the engineering design to replace its water main.
A 900-millimetre concrete main, which has been in service since 1961, is the only connection from Haslam Lake to the city’s water distribution system. A long-term water supply report in May 2005 recommended the city should plan for its replacement. “The pipe is nearing its design life and as such leaves the water supply system vulnerable with potential for breaks,” the report stated.
In 2012, council approved $150,000 to hire an engineering consultant to develop a strategy and design for the project. A request for proposals was issued at the end of October.
The city received three proposals by the end of November, from Opus DaytonKnight, McElhanney and AECOM. Engineering and public works staff evaluated the proposals based on a decision matrix and recommended AECOM, which had submitted a bid of $123,219.
