Kamloops News BC property taxes rising as cities take on provincial dutiesFILE PHOTO Image Credit: ShutterstockCities are picking up the provincial responsibility tab and it's costing taxpayers. A recent BC Business Council report found property taxes have nearly doubled across the province since 2010, while local governments take on roles typically led by the provincial government. The report describes "exceptional" municipal spending growth as a "runaway train" that makes BC cities increasingly unaffordable for residents. While property taxes go up, the BC Business Council says local governments are less efficient and taking roles outside their typical scope. It also suggests the province re-evaluate the mandate for local governments to avoid scope creep and re-establish the Auditor General for Local Governments.