Powell River council will reconsider how it grants tax exemptions after outcry from the Timberlane Barracks Society.
The society oversees the Air, Sea and Army Cadet Corps.
Speaking to council Thursday night, Society Vice President Chris Carnall says the $1,200 in land tax to be paid this year takes money away from Cadet programs or building upkeep.
“Adding the stress of having now to pay land taxes on buildings that we rent is not improving the well-being of these future leaders,” Carnall said.
Powell River agreed last year to cap application-based tax exemptions at a global amount of $400,000. It meant the Timberland Avenue property value was only exempt from taxes for 86 per cent.
Carnall highlighted how the society has been doing upkeep on the buildings it rents, including replacing a furnace twice – all through grants and grassroots fundraising. The Department of National Defence only covers the administrative cost of Cadet programming.
Coun. Jim Palm told Carnall he’s been heard “loud and clear.”
“I’m not going to sit here and make any decisions at this point but I assure you there will be future discussions, we will revisit this blanket clause and hopefully we can come to a resolution that hopefully puts a smile on your face,” Palm said.
Other councillors were supportive of the review as they reflected on their time or their families connection to the military and Cadets.
Ultimately, the Timberland Barracks Society would like a 100 per cent tax exemption for the 5401 Timberlane Avenue property.
Council agreed to have a thorough “needs and means” analysis of the current policy but it likely won’t be completed before the society has to pay this year’s taxes.
Mayor Ron Woznow will meet next week with a representative of the society to talk more about the tax exemption issue.
