Saanich property tax

Rates per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, residential (Class 1), from Province of BC Local Government Statistics Schedule 702. Not included: utility user fees and parcel taxes, the provincial additional school tax on residential properties assessed over $3 million, and any local area service charges that apply only to some properties. Saanich lies in three school districts with different residential school rates; Schedule 702 and this headline total use the School District 61 (308) rate. Matches the District's 2026 Tax Rates chart (residential): General Municipal 2.36411 + Saanich Police 0.91049 = Total Municipal 3.27460; Regional District 0.23296; Regional Hospital District 0.12363; BC Assessment 0.0381; Municipal Finance Authority 0.0002; Regional Transit 0.3594; School District 61 1.1719; total if in SD 61 5.2008 (Schedule 702: 5.20079).

Rates as published for the residential class. Bills can also include fixed charges, local improvement levies and utility fees that are not based on assessed value.

Saanich's total residential rate of 0.5201% is above the 0.4794% average of the 28 British Columbia municipalities we cover. A lower rate does not always mean a lower bill: tax = assessed value × rate, so cities with high home values often have lower rates.

Rates are the residential rates in each city's latest confirmed year. All British Columbia municipalities · National rankings

From Saanich's official property tax pages (sources 11, 12, 13, 14, 16). Check your bill for the exact amounts and dates.

These programs are run by the city or the province. Eligibility is decided by the organization that runs each one; follow the links for the official rules.

• Home Owner Grant

  Provincial grant that reduces property tax on a principal residence; apply each year online or by phone at 1-888-355-2700, before the tax due date to avoid penalties and interest. The 2026 grant threshold is $2,075,000; the grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over the threshold. Higher 'additional grant' for seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities. In 2026 the District ran a help kiosk at the Municipal Hall through September 1, 2026. Run by Province of British Columbia (municipalities do not accept applications).

• BC Property Tax Deferment Program

  Provincial loan program that lets eligible homeowners (55 or older, surviving spouses, persons with disabilities, or families with children) defer current-year property taxes; apply or renew with the Province before the tax due date. Compound interest applies to taxes deferred for 2026 and later (simple interest for 2025 and earlier). Run by Province of British Columbia (municipalities do not accept applications).

• Property Tax Pre-Authorized Payment Plan

  Optional plan for monthly automatic prepayments toward the upcoming year's taxes (10 withdrawals, August to May). Prepayment interest is paid on the credit balance at 3% below bank prime rate on December 15 of the preceding year, calculated to the July due date. Any remaining balance must be paid by the due date; refunds are not available on the plan. Run by District of Saanich.

• Home owner grant

  The B.C. home owner grant reduces the property taxes owners pay on their principal residence. For 2026 the full grant is available on properties assessed at $2,075,000 or less, with a higher additional grant for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

• Low income grant supplement for seniors

  A B.C. supplement for low-income seniors whose home owner grant is reduced or eliminated because their home is assessed above the $2,075,000 grant threshold. Most recipients get a cheque for $845 ($1,045 in a northern or rural area) for 2026.

• Property tax deferment program

  B.C.'s property tax deferment program is a provincial loan that pays an eligible owner's current-year property taxes, secured by a lien on the home. Taxes deferred for 2026 and later carry compound interest at prime plus 2%, 6.45% throughout 2026.

• Speculation and vacancy tax (provincial) in force 2026

  The Province lists the District of Saanich as a taxable area for the B.C. speculation and vacancy tax. 2026 rates: 1% of assessed value for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are not untaxed worldwide earners; 3% for foreign owners and untaxed worldwide earners (4% from January 1, 2027). Administered by the Province, not the District. No municipal vacancy tax appears on the District's property tax pages.

• B.C. speculation and vacancy tax

  The speculation and vacancy tax is an annual provincial tax on residential property in designated areas of B.C., based on how each owner used the property during the year and on the owner's residency and income. Every owner on title in a taxable area must declare by March 31, even when an exemption applies.