KAMLOOPS – Owners of more than 4,000 properties throughout the North Thompson region can expect to receive their 2012 assessment notices in the next few days.

“Most homes in this region are worth about the same compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Graham Held, Deputy Assessor. “Most home owners in this region will see modest changes in the -10 per cent to +five per cent range.”

Clearwater’s assessment roll decreased from $325.5 million last year to $320 million this year. Barriere’s assessment roll decreased from $201.7 million last year to $199 million this year.

“Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2011 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact our office as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Held.

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by Jan. 31 for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” added Held.

The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and meet between Feb. 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

The Kamloops assessment office is located at 805 Renfrew Avenue in Kamloops. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The telephone number is 250-376-6281 or toll free at 1 800 806-6788.

For more information, go to www.bcassessment.ca.