B.C. June Rules Bring New Costs And Deadlines

June 2026 has brought a series of new laws, deadlines and cost changes across British Columbia, affecting property owners, renters, campers, boaters, businesses and local governments.

While the province’s minimum wage increase is one of the most visible changes, several other updates are now in effect or approaching quickly. Property tax notices are being sent across B.C., wildfire restrictions are already shaping summer plans, and Kelowna has changed its short-term rental rules.

Property Tax Deadlines Are Near

Property owners across British Columbia are receiving their main property tax notices in early June. In most municipalities, the payment deadline is Thursday, July 2, 2026. Vancouver property owners have until Friday, July 3, 2026.

Missing the deadline will trigger an automatic 10 per cent penalty on the unpaid balance. There is no grace period.

Homeowners who use their property as a principal residence must also claim the provincial Home Owner Grant before the payment deadline. The grant can reduce property taxes by up to $570 in Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District and the Fraser Valley, and up to $770 in northern and rural areas.

Seniors, veterans and people with disabilities may qualify for larger grants.

Vacancy Tax Payments Also Due

The Speculation and Vacancy Tax applies in 59 B.C. communities, including Metro Vancouver, Kelowna, Nanaimo and parts of the Fraser Valley.

For 2026, rates have increased. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who leave taxable homes vacant now face a rate of one per cent of assessed value. Foreign owners, satellite families and untaxed worldwide earners face a three per cent rate.

The declaration deadline passed on March 31, but owners who missed it can still file before the July 2 payment deadline. Filing late may help preserve an exemption.

Fire Bans Shape Summer Plans

B.C.’s wildfire season started early this year. The Coastal Fire Centre introduced campfire prohibitions on May 7, the earliest such ban since tracking began in 2003.

Campfires and larger open fires are banned across the Coastal Fire Centre area, except Haida Gwaii. The Kamloops Fire Centre has also restricted larger open burning.

Violating fire bans can lead to a $1,150 ticket, larger administrative penalties, or court fines.

Vancouver And Kelowna See Rule Changes

Vancouver’s first city-wide Official Development Plan is now in effect. The plan will guide land use, building heights and development decisions for decades. It may also reduce public hearings for rezoning applications that match the plan.

Kelowna’s short-term rental rules changed on June 1. The city received an early exemption from B.C.’s principal residence requirement after its rental vacancy rate rose to 6.4 per cent in 2025. Eligible properties in approved STR zones may now operate as full-time vacation rentals, but owners still need a local business licence and, in some cases, strata approval.

Parks Fees And PST Changes Ahead

B.C. Parks peak-season pricing begins in mid-June at high-demand campgrounds. Non-residents must now pay a $20 surcharge per stay.

Businesses are also preparing for a major PST change. Starting Oct. 1, 2026, the seven per cent tax will apply to several professional services, including accounting, bookkeeping, security, private investigation, rental property management and strata management.