A campaign has been launched to ensure the integrity of local liquor production.
The B.C. Chamber of Commerce has passed a policy calling on the provincial government to provide incentives for wineries and cideries to counter the jump in property taxes they face.
“While most production that occurs on agricultural property isn’t viewed as light industry, when alcohol is involved in that product, the building is viewed by B.C. Assessment as being light industrial and in most cases subject to significantly higher property taxes,” said Tracy Cobb-Reeves, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president.
“This is a real barrier to development and job creation at land-based wineries and cideries and we believe the province should review the issue.”
The B.C. chamber AGM is also calling for PST reform and a value-added tax.
“It is important to ensure our members have a say in provincial policy discussions,” said Dan Rogers, Greater Vernon chamber manager.
“We provide a voice for our members both large and small, on matters that could impact their operations and ultimately their bottom line. We don’t talk a lot about our advocacy efforts but our members and the broader business community are well served by the chamber’s continual efforts to advocate for a stronger regional economy.”