Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 approached village council last week asking to have property taxes exempted from their branch.
The branch pays approximately $2900 per year in property taxes.
“We have found it difficult to continue to support the community with this tax burden,” said Laurel Derksen, secretary for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50, during a presentation to village council last week.
Derksen said the legion is “well overdue” for a tax exempt status as the Burns Lake branch has existed as a non-profit organization since the inception of the legion system following World War II.
“Legions throughout Canada have been forced to close their doors because the taxes have become too much, and Burns Lake relies on us to provide entertainment, donations, a place to hold memorial services and Remembrance Day.”
In addition, Derksen said many people believe that serving alcohol is a profit making activity. In fact, the legion is run entirely by volunteers. The only paid position is the legion’s bartender, who is not a legion member.
“All income that the legion generates goes directly back into the building or placed in the accounts required by the legion like the poppy fund, which is used to assist veterans.”
Legion members said they would also be content with a partial tax exemption.
“We are asking for a 100 per cent exemption, but if necessary we will accept a partial exemption for the parts of the building that do not contain the lounge area where alcohol is being served.”
The legion hosts several events throughout the year such as Remembrance Day, Canada Day celebrations, Mother’s Day breakfast, Father’s Day fishing derby and the Cops for Cancer fundraiser.
“With the savings, we hope to fund projects, increase our offerings to the surrounding communities, promote remembrance, serve veterans, and ultimately promote our lovely community and improve the lives of all those in this area,” said Derksen.
The village currently gives tax exemptions to 17 properties, including churches, the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre, the Thrift Store, the Burns Lake Public Library, the Burns Lake Playschool and to properties used by the Lakes District Film Society.
“We have provided a strong argument for this [tax exemption], especially in light of the fact of movie theatres and daycare centres are enjoying a tax free existence,” added Derksen.
The legion’s request included letters of support from Village Insurance Services and The Bruins Den.
Village staff will gather the necessary information and bring this request back to council within the next few weeks.