Regina Council Says No To Charity

Please see my comments and consider writing a letter of support to our city council.

Tax abatement application denied

By Patrick Book

Regina's City Council is turning down a request for help from a charitable effort aimed at keeping the kids of Regina's North Central neighbourhood safe.

Michelle Porter is the Executive Director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, a charitable effort that helps the poor and homeless. They've raised $1.8 million for a new youth centre and 60-space day care to be located in the heart of North Central on Dewdney and Athol Street, the former St Andrews United Church.

But the property's previous owner incurred more than $150,000 in overdue property taxes and penalties. Souls Harbour incurred those fees when they purchased the property and Council says it can't waive payment.

"Part of it was just a mistake as far as administration," clarifies Porter. "It was how we presented our documentation, I didn't go through the proper steps. So we're going to try again. We heard them say, 'Why don't you try some of the grants?' so I'll go back to the mission and take a look and see what's available for us."

Council members insist they have no qualms about the project or Souls Harbour, but they insist a dangerous precedent could be set if council starts forgiving taxes.The city administration will be working with Souls Harbour to ensure no further mistakes are made.