Pole taxes are one of the ways the Town of Bishop’s Cove collects revenue to pay for town services. These services include:
- Fire services
- Snow clearing
- Town road maintenance (Bishop’s Cove Shore Road is maintained by the province, not the town)
- Waste collection
- Town planning
Currently, the pole tax is $350 per head.
As part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s new Towns Act, Bishop’s Cove, like other municipalities that have historically relied on a poll tax rather than property tax, is required to transition to a property tax framework. Consultations and information on this process will be shared on our social media and discussed at public Council meetings, with our goal being to keep taxes as low as possible while maintaining current service levels.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bishop’s Cove moving to a property tax?
The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced the Towns Act, which replaces the old Municipalities Act. Under this legislation, all towns must charge a real property tax, and poll taxes are being phased out. This applies to Bishop’s Cove and every other municipality that has historically relied on a poll tax rather than a property tax. This is a provincial requirement, not a choice made by Council. Council does not have the option to keep the current poll tax system in place indefinitely.
When will the new tax structure happen?
NL’s Towns Act sets a general transition period for towns moving from no property tax/poll tax to a real property tax. The deadline for all towns in NL to have a property tax is January 1, 2028. This will include Bishop’s Cove.
Will my taxes go up?
Council’s goal is to keep the overall tax burden as low as possible while maintaining current service levels.
Will services change?
No changes to service levels are planned as a result of this transition. The goal is to fund the same services residents currently receive under the new tax structure required by the Province.
How will my property value be assessed?
The Municipal Assessment Agency (MAA) conducts all property assessments. The MAA follows NL’s Assessment Act (2006), which requires that properties are assessed at “actual value.” Bishop’s Cove Council does not assess individual properties. The MAA would conduct the assessments and produce the assessment roll; Council would then use those assessed values to calculate the municipal tax.
How can I stay informed or ask questions?
Updates will be posted regularly on the Town’s Facebook page, and the issue will be discussed at public Council meetings, which residents are always welcome to attend.
This FAQ will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated: August 1, 2026.