The City of Fernie has issued a statement regarding lease rates at the Max Turyk Community Centre. The statement is to address some of the misinformation regarding the Centre. The City provided the information as a matter of public record.
According to the City, the current rates to lease space at Max Turyk is $10 per square foot for all renters.
“This rate has been in effect since 2011 and is a reduction from 2010 rates,” read the City’s statement. “In 2015, leases at Max Turyk Community Centre were adjusted to include the provision of storage space in their lease agreements.”
In the fall of 2015, all businesses using Max Turyk became subject to paying property tax. This was a result of the B.C. Assessment office, which regulated that “businesses operating in a municipal facility must pay property taxation on their portion of the leased property”. This was only exempt if businesses were granted a Permissive Tax Exemption by their local government.
“In accordance with the B.C. Community Charter, Permissive Tax Exemptions cannot be granted to “For Profit” businesses,” said the City. “Non-Profit groups leasing space in Max Turyk Community Centre applied for and continue to receive the tax exemption. The impact to “For Profit” lease holders at Max Turyk Community Centre is approximately $700 to $900 annually.”
The City said they appreciate their relationship with the multiple businesses that lease and use their facilities.