The city will review its policies for giving financial aid – including tax exemptions – to various organizations and the new recommendations will be brought to council in early 2015 for consideration.
Each year the city allows exemptions for groups that qualify under categories such as not-for-profit organizations, local government, athletic or service clubs and more.
The city has no formal policy for not-for-profit exemptions, but has granted in the past to groups like MCC, Northview Community Church, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Salvation Army. But for years, the city has not approved additional exemptions in the not-for-profit category, due to concerns it would open the floodgates on requests for exemptions.
Last year, council did approve an exemption for one group, the A.N.A.F. Veterans in Canada – with Coun. John Smith citing the fact that the Legion receives an exemption. Coun. Henry Braun called for the city to develop a policy back in 2012, and reiterated the call in 2013.
The policies will be reviewed and brought back with next year’s budget discussions.