The City of Lloydminster council is continuing its tax enforcement action, moving forward with notices on the Saskatchewan side.
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According to the city, 16 properties on the Saskatchewan side have tax liens submitted in January. Administration has attempted to contact all property owners and will continue to work with them to make payment arrangements.
Now, administration is moving ahead with the next step to recoup their taxes.
“Unless arrears are paid in full, administration would like to proceed with tax enforcement procedures,” said Scott Pretty, director of assessment and taxation. “As per Saskatchewan legislation, six months after tax liens have been registered, council may authorize the administrator, by resolution, to start proceeding for title.”
The next step is to send a six-month notice, which advises the property owner and all other interests registered on the title. If tax arrears are not paid in full within six months, the city intends to apply to be registered as the owner of the property.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers asked if the ongoing Canada Post strike would affect property owners getting the required information.
“We had to mail as per legislation, we also follow-up with phone calls and emails,” said Pretty. “We’ve taken time to take the extra steps to ensure they’ve been notified.”
Coun. Michael Diachuk asked if the properties that are taken by the city go up for public auction.
“On the Saskatchewan side of the city, when we get title, we sell it to real estate, normally. If it’s the Alberta side, we do auctions,” clarified Pretty.
Council passed a motion authorizing administration to initiate steps to proceed to apply for title under the Tax Enforcement Act of Saskatchewan for the 16 properties.
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