Should Rossland invest $106K in nonprofits?

πŸ›οΈ Council is deciding on tax exemptions for local nonprofits

🎭 Arts centre, scouts, childcare, and theatre groups are seeking property tax breaks

πŸ’Έ Total cost: $106,511 in foregone tax revenue

πŸ€” The question: Are these community services worth the public investment?

$106,511
Total value of all tax exemptions Rossland will grant to community organizations in 2026. This represents property taxes these nonprofits won't pay, meaning other taxpayers indirectly cover this amount through the tax base.

4 New Groups Seeking Tax Exemptions

  • 🎨 Rossland Arts Centre - $10,248 exemption for community arts programming serving 85% local residents

  • πŸ•οΈ 2nd Rossland Scouts - $5,405 exemption for youth programs serving 43 kids ages 5-26

  • πŸ‘Ά Golden Bear Childcare - $4,501 exemption for licensed daycare serving ~72 children (30+ on waitlist)

  • 🎭 Light Opera Players - $6,422 exemption for theatre space serving ~130 members with 20,000 volunteer hours

200+ children & families
Combined reach of the four new organizations: 72 children in daycare (plus waitlist families), 43 scout participants, 130 theatre members, plus arts centre users. These exemptions also continue support for existing nonprofits like the seniors association, affordable housing, and search & rescue.

Do you support using $106,511 in tax exemptions to help fund community arts, childcare, scouting, and theatre programs in Rossland? What community services do you think deserve public support?

πŸ—ΊοΈ Next Steps:

  • Council reads the bylaw three times at their next meeting
  • Final adoption scheduled for October 2025
  • Statutory deadline: October 31st

πŸ—£οΈ Have Your Say: Attend council meetings or submit written comments about these tax exemptions

πŸ“ These exemptions apply to all taxes, not just municipal - meaning greater savings for the organizations