Title
Council Policy 03-837, “Permissive Exemptions from Property Taxation” Amendment
Recommended Action
Whereas due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Provincial Health Officer suspended all events and gatherings, including those that occur at a church, synagogue, mosque, gurdwara, temple, or other place of worship, from November 19, 2020 to January 8, 2021;
Whereas the suspension of gatherings was intended to increase the health and safety of the residents of British Columbia, including residents of Langley; and
Whereas the Township of Langley Council members must show support for the actions of the Provincial Health Officer that are intended to protect the residents of Langley during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Therefore be it resolved that Council request staff to amend Council Policy 03-837, “Permissive Exemptions From Property Taxation” to require all applicants requesting Permissive Tax Exemptions for 2022 to confirm that they have not been cited for non-compliance of orders issued by the Provincial Health Officer under the BC COVID-19 Related Measures Act; and further
That the applicants for the grant be required to confirm that they have not been fined under such order or enactment; and further
That staff bring such information to Council’s attention prior to Council’s deliberation of the Permissive Tax Exemption 2022 Bylaw; and finally
That staff advise Council on mechanisms available to Council to repeal and/or recoup 2020 and 2021 permissive property tax exemptions from any organizations that have been fined, for willfully putting public health in this community at risk by their deliberate actions in this time of a global pandemic and a provincial state of emergency.