Nelson Star, October 26, 2012

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Friday, October 26 • 2012

Vol. 5 • Issue 34

Cross country runners up to the challenge See Page 17 280 Baker Street Nelson BC (250)

354-4089

valhallapathrealty@telus.net www.valhallapathrealty.com

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Is more public art on the way? See Page 3

City Hall

Churches cry foul over tax change MEGAN COLE Nelson Star Reporter

NOW SERVING POW CHOW Visit us at 602 Lake Street 250.354.4944 •1.800.666.9420

People Caring for Pets

Pet Story Competition For Animal Health Week

See our website for details

250-352-2999

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Nelson 250-505-2101 Castlegar 250-365-2111 Nakusp 250-358-2347

Concerns around potential discrimination were echoed as pastor Ken Keber of Bethel Christian Centre and Lorne Westnedge of the First Baptist Church addressed council at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting. “I read the paper and saw everyone else got an exemption basically except the churches. That smacked me in the face,” said Keber. “I don’t want to be suspicious, but it does make me wonder.” At a council meeting this month the city passed the first three readings of permissive tax exemption bylaws. Council voted to exclude the churches, who asked for exemptions in amounts less than $1,000, but to include the Kalein Hospice Society. Despite appearances, councillor Donna Macdonald, who chaired Monday’s meeting, insisted council’s decision had nothing to do with the groups being churches. “Certainly this was not an anti-religious gesture,” she said. “It just so happened it was the churches because the vast majority of their properties are exempt under statute and provincial legislation. We have no control over that.” Macdonald said council was unaware that when they voted to remove the exemption from the churches there would be a large impact. Story continues to ‘Council’ on Page 11

Strawberry Shortcake Deluxe Selkirk College Professional Cook Training students Azalea Lloyd (right) and Cam Maglio prepare strawberry shortcake desserts for the lunch cafeteria menu at the Tenth Street Campus on Wednesday. The School of Hospitality and Tourism program is training students for what the provincial government has identified as a high-growth area Bob Hall photo in the coming years. See related story on Page 8.

Home Owners helping home owners


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