Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

The Town of Peace River is ready to accept bids on parcels to be auctioned at the 2024 Tax Recovery Sale later this year.

“Under Section 418 of the Municipal Government Act, the municipality must offer for sale at a public auction any land shown on its tax arrears list,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.

“A person’s property would have to be in arrears for up to two or three years before being assumed by the Town.”

The date of the auction is Nov. 28 at 8:30 a.m. and will be held in the council chambers.

Currently, there are five properties being auctioned off, with starting auction prices ranging from $51,300 to $842,000.

“The properties will be listed on the advertisement for the auction,” explains Manzer.

“If people would like additional information on the properties set to go to auction, they should contact the chief administrative officer for more information.”

Council has set the reserve bids for each parcel to be auctioned at the 2024 tax recovery sale based on 2024 assessed values. If sold, the municipality will be able to pay the tax arrears and any other registered debts as legislated. If the properties are not sold, the Town has the option to take the title.

“The land is being offered for sale on an as is, where is basis and the Town of Peace River makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence or presence of environmental contamination, vacancy, or the ability to develop the subject land for any intended use by the purchaser,” explains Manzer.

“No bid will be accepted where the bidder attempts to attach conditions precedent to the sale of any parcel,” she adds. “No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the Town.”

GST will apply on all lands sold at the public auction.

The successful bidder has to make a non-refundable 10 per cent deposit in cash or cash equivalent before 3 p.m. on Nov. 28. The balance of purchase price will be due on the closing date, which will be 14 days after the auction date. Cash, certified cheque, or bank draft will be the only forms of payment accepted.

For more information on the upcoming auction, please call the town office at (780) 624-2574.