A frustrated British Columbia landowner has escalated his concerns about persistent tax assessment errors to Premier David Eby, after facing the same issues for several years. John Duggan, owner of a remote Youbou property, is appealing his assessment for the third consecutive year, citing a pattern of inaccuracies that independent tribunals have previously confirmed.
The Ongoing Assessment Battle
Duggan's property, a 1960s recreational cabin lacking power and running water on a small parcel of land, was assessed by BC Assessment (BCA) at $1,592,600 for 2026. This represents a staggering 45% increase from the previous year's assessment, and follows two previous successful appeals.
In 2024, BCA initially assessed the property at $1,588,700, a 10% rise from the prior year and a 107% increase over three years. An appeals board reduced this to $1.2 million. In 2025, Duggan appealed again, and the assessment was further reduced to $1.1 million. Despite these corrections, the assessment has now been significantly re-inflated for 2026.
A Pattern of Recurrence
"This is an increase of approximately 45 per cent, while the average increase within the jurisdiction was approximately two per cent," Duggan stated in his letter to the premier. He highlighted that in both prior years, independent appeal bodies confirmed the assessments were incorrect, leading to tax refunds only after considerable effort and delay. Duggan believes these are not isolated errors but a systemic issue.
He has discovered that his situation is not unique, with numerous other property owners in the area experiencing similar problems. Duggan pointed out the lack of an independent review mechanism for assessment errors that reappear year after year, especially when prior tribunal decisions do not seem to hold.
Seeking Systemic Change
Duggan emphasized that he is not seeking personal intervention but aims to bring attention to a pattern that cannot be resolved at an individual level. He objects to repeatedly proving the same facts through the same process against the same assessment record, only for the issue to recur annually. This process, he argues, places a significant burden on ordinary citizens, particularly retirees.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Jason Anson, a real estate agent and advocate who assisted Duggan, noted that most people assume tribunal corrections are permanent. "What John’s case shows is that it often does not," Anson said, observing this pattern across B.C. where homeowners must re-prove facts despite confirmed corrections.
BC Assessment stated that they cannot discuss individual appeals but encourage property owners with questions to contact them directly. They offer assistance via phone and their website to address concerns and answer questions.
