Victoria is planning to phase out tax exemptions for parking lots of some community groups but says they could forego the cost if they let unhoused people shelter there overnight.
The White Eagle Polish Hall in Victoria 's James Bay is the type of organization that could potentially secure a tax break by allowing unhoused people to shelter overnight in its parking lot. Victoria ’s mayor is proposing financial incentives to churches and community organizations that offer up their parking lots as a place for people experiencing
“I don’t see the growing of the problem as a solution, and I think that’s what I saw when I saw this,” Victoria councillor Marg Gardiner told Global News. “I’m very concerned, and I have a message for any of the people or the organizations that take up the offer of reduced taxes: please, please consult with your neighbours, sort out security and liability,” she said.“It just really seems like grasping at straws to me, an apparently simple fix to a complex problem,” said Don Gibson, adding the neighbourhood is home to several daycares and a K-5 elementary school.
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