Possible mail disruption triggers warning about paying property taxes early

A looming strike or lockout at Canada Post has prompted a warning to homeowners to get their property tax cheques in the mail early, or risk a possible late fine.

Property taxes for most of B.C. are due in early July. That's why the City of Victoria is warning people who plan to mail payments that they should have those payments posted no later than tomorrow, June 23.

And in Surrey the city is rolling out a special ad campaign in local papers aimed at making people aware of the issue. 

City of Surrey spokesman Oliver Lum says mailed cheques will be considered on time "as long as the actual postmark is dated before July 4."  

Late property tax payments are assessed a five percent penalty in Surrey. In Victoria the penalty is ten percent.

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have been in contract negotiations since late 2015 and a legal strike or a lockout could happen as early as July 2.

"Any payment posted after this date may not be received in time and would therefore be subject to a 10 per cent penalty," a statement on the city of Victoria's website warns.

Other jurisdictions such as Vancouver have a five per cent penalty for late payments. The property tax deadline in Vancouver is July 5.

People can also pay in person at city hall, or at a bank in person or online.