Penticton city council considers $450,000 worth of property tax exemptions

PENTICTON – Penticton city council has made an initial decision which organizations will be exempt from paying property taxes as staff conduct preliminary work on next year’s budget.

Council gave first reading to a staff recommendation that will see 28 places of worship exempt for three years. The bylaw returns to council for second and third readings at the Oct. 18 council meeting and will require a special meeting for final adoption between that date and Oct. 31.

Not-for-profit societies, totalling 83 properties, will be granted a one year exemption period. Other applicants that do not meet city criteria but who still qualify under the Community Charter were also granted a one year exemption at the Monday, Oct. 3 council meeting.

Applicants in the latter category include the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Governing Council of the Salvation Army, the Penticton and District Minor Hockey Association and the South Okanagan Similkamen Brain Injury Society. The exemptions total $452,004.

Council requires all applicants to provide financial information and proof the organization is in good standing with the society act. Exemptions are limited to the principal use of the property.

New applications for the 2017 budget year include Penticton Christian School Society, the Penticton Chamber of Commerce and the Penticton & District Community Resources Society.

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