Veterans group appeals to city council for tax exemption
Initially rejected by city staff, the Polish Combatants Association is seeking a property tax exemption for a vacant Cumberland Street lot
Jan 2, 2021 2:02 PM By: Ian Kaufman
Updated
Members of the Polish Combatants Association lay a wreath to commemorate the Second World War Battle of Monte Cassino in 2017. (File photo)
THUNDER BAY – A local veterans’ group is appealing to Thunder Bay’s city council to grant tax exempt status to a vacant property that’s currently costing it thousands of dollars a year.
Members of the Polish Combatants’ Association in Canada, Branch 1, made a deputation to council on Dec. 21 seeking the exemption, which would require a bylaw amendment, after city staff initially denied their request.
2020 not a good year for assessment growth in the City of Thunder Bay
Tax revenue from new assessment is less than half the five-year average.
Dec 22, 2020 3:20 PM By: Gary Rinne
But an examination of recent history shows 2020 wasn t so good for the city after all.
MPAC is the agency that assesses and classifies all properties in Ontario, producing data that municipalities take into account in calculating property tax rates each year.
In a report this month, it said Thunder Bay picked up just under $58 million in new assessment this year.
That was second in Northern Ontario only to Greater Sudbury, but the nickle city finished the year way ahead of Thunder Bay, with new assessment totalling about $106 million.