Whistler’s growth and popularity boosted the combined value of lands and buildings by more than $357 million between July 1994 and July 1995, according to the B.C. Assessment Authority. Whistler’s assessment roll has grown from 2,304,817,890 to $2,661,955,818 in the last year, according to area assessor Calvin Smyth. "This growth reflects higher market values for many properties but also includes subdivisions, rezonings and new construction. Growth in the assessment roll is less than previous years as lower market demand has affected both market trends and the development industry," Smyth said. Most houses and condominiums on the 1995 roll are worth more than they were in 1994, but increases varied according to location. Smyth sited as examples, a single family home in Alpine or Emerald that was valued at $250,000 in the summer of 1994 would have sold for $300,000 in the summer of 1995. A single family home in Whistler Cay Estates valued at $455,000 in 1994 would have sold for $530,000 last summer. Condominiums that would have sold for $175,000 in 1994 would have fetched about $200,000 in the summer of 1995. However, Smyth said some condominiums in the village area have had less significant assessment increases. The real estate market determines the value of property and B.C. Assessment reports that value to property owners and taxing authorities. Smythe said 9,000 assessment notices have been mailed to Whistler property owners. The July 1995 assessments will be used to determine 1996 property taxes. "If any property owners feel their property assessment is not reflective of market value as of July 1, 1995, or the information contained on their assessment notice is incorrect, they are encouraged to contact B.C. Assessment directly," Smyth said. The office has assessments by address available for property owners to view. This provides property owners with values which can be compared to similar properties in the community. The North Shore Area Assessment Office is at 210-255 1st Street W., North Vancouver.
