shíshálh Nation Government District

sNGD is in essence, the local government, created by Bill C 93 Sechelt Indian Band Self Government Act and established as a local government in BC by Bill 4 Sechelt Indian Government District Enabling Act in 1987.  The Bill enabled sNGD to qualify for municipal benefits that are available to other municipalities in BC, to enact laws and bylaws that a Municipality has the power to enact and the ability to tax.

  • For Garbage pickup information and schedules please visit sNGD Garbage Pickup and Schedule Information
  • sNGD has the ability to levy property taxes annually on residents and businesses.
  • sNGD purchases services such as fire protection, road maintenance, sewer collection and disposal, garbage collection and recycling services.
  • sNGD participates in the Sunshine Coast Regional Government by appointing a Council member to the SCRD Board.
Bylaws for Residents

Bylaws are enforced on a complaint basis and complaints must be submitted in writing using the complaint form which is located on the Documents and Page Forms page. The following bylaws can also be found on the Documents and Forms page:

Business Licences

If you operate or conduct business within the shíshálh Nation Government District (sNGD) you must have a business licence.

Business Located within sNGD

Businesses located within sNGD can obtain a licence at the sNGD office located at 5545 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt. sNGD business licence invoices are issued annually and are due by January 31st of the current year. If your business is new within sNGD contact the sNGD office to obtain a licence.

You can find the business license here.

Inter-Community Business Licences

An Inter-Community Business Licensing system is in place for the District of Sechelt, the Town of Gibsons and the shíshálh Nation Government District. sNGD businesses providing goods or services in more than one community must have a sNGD business licence before purchasing an inter-community license for $50.

  • Business located within sNGD can purchase an Inter-Community Business Licence from the District of Sechelt, 2nd Floor, 5797 Cowrie Street, Sechelt.
  • Businesses located in Sechelt, Gibsons and the SCRD can obtain an Inter-Community Business Licence from the District of Sechelt or the Town of Gibsons.
Grant In Aid

Eligible organizations can submit an application for Grant in Aid by June 30th of the current year. Successful applicants will be notified following the sNGD Council meeting. All successful applicants must provide a report on the use of funds by March 1st of the following year in order to be eligible to apply in following years.

sNGD Advisory Council

The shíshálh Nation Chief and Council is the governing body of the shíshálh Nation Government District. The sNGD Advisory Council is an advisory body to the sNGD Council, representing lessees within Sechelt Band Lands 1, 2, 19/20 and 23.

sNGD Advisory Council minutes can be found in the sNGD Advisory Council Meeting Minutes section on the Forms and Documents page, linked below.

Taxation

sNGD levies property tax annually on residents and businesses. Property taxes are based on assessed value obtained through BC Assessment Authority and the annual budget.

Property Tax Payments

2023 property tax notices were sent out May 15, 2023. Property tax payments are due by July 4, 2023 at 4:30 pm. A late penalty of 10% is applied to current taxes not received by the due date.

sNGD Reports

shíshálh Nation Government District 2021 Reports are now available online.

Homeowner Grant

If you are the registered owner of the residence, or the spouse or relative of the deceased owner and at the date the owner passed away you both occupied the residence as your principal residence you may qualify for a Homeowner Grant.

  • If you are under 65 years of age the Basic Grant is up to $770.
  • If you are 65 years of age or older, or a person with a disability the Additional Grant is up to $1,045.
  • Applications for the Homeowner Grant must be completed, signed and submitted annually to SIGD in order to be applied to your property taxes.

Information and application for the Homeowner Grant can be found on the back of your sNGD Property Tax Notice or on the Province of BC website.

Retroactive Homeowner Grant

If you did not claim a Homeowner Grant in the prior year and you may have been eligible to apply for the Grant you may qualify for a Retroactive Homeowner Grant.

For information and application for the Retroactive Homeowner Grant go to the Province of BC website.