Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw is a community on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake, near Chase, BC. This page outlines the services available to residents and leaseholders living on Nation lands.
Residents living on Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw lands have access to a range of community services. These include fire protection, 9-1-1 emergency services, ambulance, waste management (garbage and recycling), sewer services in Scotch Creek, road maintenance, emergency preparedness, access to parks, and contributions to milfoil control on Little Shuswap Lake.
Service providers may change from time to time. For the most current information, contact the appropriate department through the Contact page or the Employee Directory.
In addition to general community services, Nation members have access to programs specific to members, including education, housing, employment, health and wellness, and addictions and mental health counselling. Visit the relevant department pages for more information.
As the local government, Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw has the authority under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to levy property taxes on Nation lands.
BC Assessment Authority (BCAA) is contracted to provide annual property assessment services. Owners wishing to appeal their assessment should review their notice carefully and submit their appeal before the deadline. The appeal process follows essentially the same steps as for fee simple properties under the provincial system.
Property taxes are due and payable by August 2 of each year.
The Homeowner Grant is available to owner-occupiers on the same basis as it is available to homeowners of fee simple properties off reserve. Only one property per owner is eligible for a Homeowner Grant in BC in any given tax year. Unlike municipalities, First Nations fund their own Homeowner Grants and do not receive reimbursement from the provincial or federal governments.
For approved laws and further information, visit the First Nations Gazette at fng.ca.
Property held by non-members on Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw lands is leased under various forms of lease agreement. The summaries below provide an easy reference to the most pertinent clauses in each lease type. These summaries are not a substitute for a full review of the lease document. Interested parties are encouraged to review the complete terms of their lease and seek independent legal advice if needed.
