A two story building with hedges and a lawan

Campbell River rescinds Permissive Tax Exemption cuts

(This post was originally published on Oct 13, additional material and audio added Oct 16)

There was an enormous public response to the city of Campbell River’s proposed Permissive Tax Exemption (PTE) cuts, made at the September 28 Council Meeting. Hundreds of people wrote letters and emails protesting this action and Campbell River was criticized by BC’s MInistry of Housing.  Consequently, most of the cuts were rescinded on Friday Oct 12, 2023..

Councillor Susan Sinnot asking if the Art Gallery wishes to speak – screenshot from meeting video

One of the most controversial pieces was removal of the Campbell River Art Gallery’s PTE for their ‘bad behaviour’ in not confronting homeless people camped outside their doors. Sara Lopez Assu, Executive Director of the CRAG, informed Cortes Currents they are tenants in the Centennial Buildings with no authority over what happens outside. She and her staff persuaded the homeless people to leave during the hours the gallery is open.  (Council was informed of this in 2021 and again in 2022.)  

BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon referred to the Campbell River Council’s actions at a press conference in Kelowna

“This is not easy work, to go in and support people who are very vulnerable, who are struggling, and to have a city attack people because they’re trying to do their best to make sure people are housed is not the way you address this.”

There was a decidedly different mood at Campbell River City Council on the evening of October 12.

Councillor Susan Sinnot referred to a conversation with the art gallery just prior to the meeting. 

 “I think the conversation was incredibly productive in the entryway. And then I think also our city manager reflected that that happened. There was basically a commitment to have great dialogue and work together. What I think everyone really wants is to resolve our issues cooperatively and move together. So, having that message from your chair (Denise Mitchell) is wonderful for us. I don’t know whether that means you need to do any more presentations. What do you say?” 

“No, I feel confident in my chair,”  replied Sara Lopez Assu, from the public area.

Councillor Sinnot: “Excellent. Thank you and thank you everybody for showing up tonight and showing your support for the art gallery. And I’m really pleased that the conversation’s happened. Thank you for listening to us and letting us listen to you.

 At the last meeting, Councillor Ron Kerr labelled the gallery and safe injection site ‘bad neighbours.’ His eyes were averted when he read out a series of motions including: 

“I move that permissive tax exemption 2023 be amended so that all 90 percent tax exemptions are adjusted back to 100%, and those less than that be adjusted  back up equally in a prorated manner.” 

“I move that Council direct staff to review and make recommendations to the city policy on the current PTE limit of  1.7 percent and the allocation amounts to individual organizations.”

All of his motions carried.

Sinnot responded, “I noticed that we didn’t deal with the Campbell River Art Gallery’s amendment in this.” 

Her motion acknowledging the agreement to work towards a productive ‘which could see the 2024 property taxes funded through Council Contingency’ carried with no opposition.

Mayor Kermit Dahl gave a summary of Sinnot’s motion for the gallery, “We’re gonna work with your chair starting tomorrow to get your taxes covered. We’re gonna work out an agreement with your chair. All I remember is her first name is Denise. Okay.” 

There was some discussion in the gallery.

Councillor Kerr rephrased his statement, “Everyone else has returned back to 100 percent and the Campbell River Art Gallery’s chair is committed to working with city staff and council to build back a positive relationship and when that happens, they’ll be rewarded.”

Someone objected and Mayor Dahl responded, “Maybe that’s not the word you want to hear, but…” (laughter)

Sean Decaire, from the Kwesa Place Warming Centre and Shelter, rose to speak, “That is a poor wording, but we’re appreciative of your all the work that you’re considering, especially for the non profit sector. These are people that are supporting people, and that’s what we’re very keen to do. So, on behalf of the herediatry leaders of our people … we’re very, very grateful for your consideration.”

Mayor Dahl: “Thanks Ron. So that’s the end of the PTE stuff, so if you want to stick around for the rest, that’s great. If you don’t, I’ll give you two minutes to get out of here.”

Top image credit: View of city hall at top of news release page – courtesy City of Campbell River

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