Battlefords Community Players Executive Producer Donna Challis, left, shown with Mayor Ames Leslie at town council's meeting Monday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

In the Chambers

Town quashes abatement request, but wants to support Battlefords Community Players

Nov 5, 2019 | 9:02 AM

Battleford lawmakers voted against a request from the Battlefords Community Players (BCP) to grant a tax abatement to the non-profit for 2019.

The amateur theatre group asked to have 50 per cent of its municipal taxes discounted, which would cost about $1,511, to help with its financial challenges, and a 100 per cent abatement in subsequent years, which could be around $3,022 per year.

Administration recommended granting the 50 per cent abatement for 2019 but not for future years. CAO John Enns-Wind proposed the group submit a business plan in 2020 to show the town how it plans to stay sustainable without property tax exemptions down the road, before the town considers granting any tax exemption in 2020.

Enns-Wind recommended waiting to see what consulting firm Group 2 Architecture and Interior Design present in their business plan to help the town better understand the market. They want to see what the community recommends for the former opera-house on the upper floor of town hall, as the public may want to see this site used for a performance space.

Mayor Ames Leslie said while council was against abating taxes, they still want to look for another way to help the small theatre company.

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“I think it’s defeated, but not dead,” he said of the resolution. “There is overwhelming desire by the council of the Town of Battleford to find a way to support this group.”

Coun. Susan McLean Tady, who was opposed to the tax abatement, said she has concerns about granting any abatement. She thought the group should look for a community grant instead.

Coun. Kevin Russell, who in the end was alone in voting in favour of the abatement for 2019, said he sees value in the organization’s contributions to the community, but noted many charitable groups find other ways like fundraising to bring in more money.

The Battlefords Community Players said one of its financial challenges is the taxes for its property on 26 St. The theatre company saw its property tax bill increase significantly over the last few years when its property assessment value went up in 2016 after it made upgrades to its facility.

Executive Producer Donna Challis, who made a presentation to council asking for the abatement, said the group continues to generate more tourism to the area, and has contributed a great deal to the community over the many years it has been operating.

“I’m sure there are a variety of different ways and options,” she said before the meeting of how the town could assist the group. “We’ve made the request based on how we think it should be presented. But, we are looking forward to working with them to see what they can do to help us.”

After the resolution was defeated by the majority of council, Enns-Wind said he will come back to council at a future date with some other ideas in an effort to help BCP.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow