Richmond News
A veterans organization in Steveston is $50,000 in tax arrears and has asked Richmond city council for some relief.
Two volunteers from the Army, Navy, Air Force Club 284 on No. 1 Road near Chatham Street approached city council on Monday with their ask, saying tax forgiveness or at least a deferral would help the club after COVID-19 left them without reserve funds.
Walter Cadwallader and Mark Grattan with ANAF 284 noted the club gives out between $30,000 and $50,000 in donations to 30 charities a year.
“We are here to ask council to give us some relief or forgive taxes for the year,” Cadwallader said. “Hopefully, in the worst case, to defer those taxes.”
He noted in Manitoba and Ontario, veterans organizations don’t pay taxes.
“Our motto at the club is ‘shoulder to shoulder,’ and we’d ask the same of you,” Cadwallade said. …
When asked by Mayor Malcolm Brodie how long they would have to pay off their taxes, Capuccinello Iraci said it’s a maximum period of three years. …
Coun. Kash Heed echoed Day’s concerns, saying he recognized what ANAF does and how long they’ve been in the community.
“I would really hate to see them have to close their doors – there must be something we can come up with,” he said. “I’m not about to give up on this yet.”
Brodie said, however, if city staff were to work with ANAF to figure out a solution, it would be contingent on their financial books being open to city staff.
Brodie noted the Legion on Bridgeport Road is also asking for help, and things need to be kept “in perspective,” otherwise there could be 50 groups asking for help. …