Metchosin delays permissive tax exemption decision after lengthy discussion

Eight organizations remain eligible as council unanimously agrees to revisit the issue Sept. 21

Metchosin delays permissive tax exemption decision after lengthy discussion Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Metchosin council unanimously voted Monday (July 13) to defer a decision on the municipality’s 2027 permissive tax exemptions until Sept. 21 after a tense hour-long discussion. According to a staff report, eight organizations applied for exemptions covering 14 properties valued at more than $33.8 million in 2026. Staff estimated approving all applications would result in $324,188 in tax exemptions for 2027.

The municipal portion, $166,896, is equivalent to roughly $80 for the average residential property owner, representing about four per cent of municipal taxes payable. The report also noted Metchosin provides the highest proportion of tax revenue toward community grants and permissive tax exemptions in the CRD. In 2025, combined grants and exemptions accounted for 8.32 per cent of total property tax revenue, compared with the regional average of 2.98 per cent.

The eligible applicants include the Anglican Church, Victoria Motorcycle Club, BC Parks Foundation, Victoria Humane Society, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Metchosin Hall Society, YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria Foundation. From the get-go of the conversation, Coun. Jay Shukin said he supports maintaining the current program while council undertakes a broader review.

“The point was made last year that if we were to give any sort of chance to PTE’s, we really should give the groups significant notice,” Shukin said. “That is a point that I will confess that I lost, and I actually think is a wise one.” “So as I look at things right now, I would be in favour of continuing the premissive tax exemptions as they once were, so as to maintain the status quo.

But, also suggest that there is a deeper discussion that is held on permissive tax exemptions and the other funding that we provide to community groups and initiatives.” Later in the discussion, when Mayor Marie-Térèse Little suggested deferring the discussion for more time to deliberate, Shukin initially opposed the delay. “No,” Shukin said.

“It wouldn’t be for me. I again am willing to hear more, I suppose, but nothing that I have heard will change my view that the best thing to do at this particular juncture is to move ahead with the PTE’s.” Little said some municipalities establish permissive tax exemption policies at the beginning of a council term and leave them in place for four years.

“It also helps avoid the situation that we’re in right now, which is the silly season. Like it or not, people also have other motives at this time, regarding campaigning, whether they’re going to be re-elected or not.” Coun.

Steve Gray, attending virtually, said any changes should involve community input. “Changes to the permissive tax exemptions approach need a process with our community, rather than us meeting and making a determination one evening.” Coun.

Shelly Donaldson suggested council review how often organizations are required to reapply. “The application process, to reapply, is quite an onerous task... this is something we need to discuss on whether that’s every two or five years or whatever.” Donaldson also raised a potential conflict of interest involving at least one applicant and asked whether she should recuse herself if council voted on all eight organizations together.

Bob Payette, CAO, said staff viewed the decision as one based on council’s overall policy rather than any individual organization. “We would recognize that the decision would be based on the overall general policy, and you have not discussed specifics on your personal conflict. So that’s how we would see that.”

Council will again discuss on Sept. 21. They must meet the statutory adoption deadline prior to Nov. 2.