Hears mill tax-exemption program
City of Powell River council took the first steps in renewing a revitalization tax exemption bylaw for Catalyst Paper Corporation’s mill lands at its October 6 meeting. The bylaw will come up for council adoption at a future meeting, but needs to be in place by the end of the month. The exemption, applicable for 2018 through 2020 taxation years, places a maximum taxation value of $3,050,000 for major industry on specified mill lands. Catalyst was exempt from paying approximately $1.8 million of Powell River municipal taxes in 2017 due to the revitalization bylaw and paid $2.75 million. The renewed bylaw raises the mill’s tax bill by $300,000.
Moves to public hearing for carriage houses
Council voted to hold a yet-to-be-scheduled public hearing to give city residents another opportunity to communicate their thoughts on amending the sustainable official community plan and zoning bylaw to allow carriage houses in some areas of the city.
Supports recycling bin purchase
Council voted to allocated up to $22,000 from the city’s community works fund for the purchase of recycling bins at Powell River Recreation Complex, Willingdon Beach Campground and Westview harbours.
Awards paving contract
Council awarded its 2017 road and cycling project paving contract to BA Blacktop for $398,236.40. Three projects remain for paving, including the Manson Avenue bike path and Cariboo and Westview avenues.
