A change to the tax exemption bylaw 5967 in Vernon will allow more organizations to get exempt status.
If passed at city council on Tuesday, Oct. 10, the bylaw amendment will see the following organizations being fully exempt from specific taxation in the social services property:
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)- 3102, 29th Ave;
- North Okanagan Community Life Society- 3806-3804, 23rd St;
- North Okanagan Community Life Society- 5521 Willow Dr;
- Okanagan Learning Foundation- 102 3126, 31st Ave;
- Okanagan Village Housing Society- 6335 Okanagan Landing Rd;
- Okanagan Village Housing Society- 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd.
The CMHA on 29th Ave. will be joining seven other CMHA’s in becoming tax-exempt, with the 29th Ave. location being 33 per cent exempt in 2024, 67 per cent in 2025 and 100 per cent in 2026. A similar percentage structure follows the other five locations on the list, with all becoming 100 per cent exempt by 2026.
Two recreation properties, the Vernon Flying Club and Vernon Golf and Country Club are also on the bylaw list for partial exemption. Both will follow a structure of 17 per cent in 2024, 34 per cent in 2025 and 50 per cent by 2026. The Vernon Pickleball Association is the only other recreation property with exempt status, as it is 50 per cent exempt from the leased portion as of 2021.
In addition, the Living Word Lutheran Church, located at 6526 Okanagan Landing Rd, is expected to get its tax-exempt status rescinded, as a place of worship property.
Council will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Visit the City of Vernon website for the full agenda.
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