=== MAIL Box———_——— Crown subsidy hurts NVD Dear Editor: Re: Crown short-changing locals, July 2000 Ripping Yarns. “Y want to thank Tim Renshaw tor his recent article on provincial Crown corpo- rations and the cavalier attitude they often exhibit towards municipal govern: ments, particularly concerning the oblig- ation to pay their fair share of municipal tances or equivalent grants in licu. An ideal example of such tax avoidance was cited by Mr. Renshaw with respect to Vancouver Wharves Ltd. and the BC Rail Group of companies. Although Mr. Renshaw is correct that Vancouver Wharves and BC Rail have, since 1997, contributed far fess to municipal taxes than what they actually owe, the magni- tude of the problem is far greater than the article depicted. Instead of $800,000 disappearing annually from the District of North Vancouver budget, the district losses on account of Vancouver Wharves were $1,268,780 for 1999 and a whepping $3, 305. 625 for the year 2000. The Offer expires Sept. 10, 2000 Park Royal location only. $800,000 annual tax loss referenced by Mr. Renshaw is with respect to BC Rail and is over and above the district losses from Vancouver Wharves. The savings for Vancouver Wharves is even greater when one takes into account the exemption from the school levy that the company enjoys as a Crown corpora- tion, Ino fact, the total tax. savings to Vancouver Wharves frem 1996-2006 is $10,174,713. Accordingly, Vancouver Wharves gains a competitive advantage over other North Shore port facilities through tax savings which are shouldered by district residents and businesses. The district has repeatedly attempted to rectify this situation. As mayor IT have met with Vancouver Wharves and direct- ly with the provincial government. Former premier and minister responsible, Dan Miller stated that the tax loss to the North Vancouver District budget was necessary in view of province-wide objec- tives and Vancouver Wharves/BC Rails’ financial performance. As I pointed out Frusts & Veggies Healthy Suack for > Back to School to the minister, if the province wishes to subsidize a particular Crown company or region of the province in the interest of all British Columbians, then the costs of such subsidies should be fairly distributed across the province and not imposed on any ong municipality and its residents. incidentally, tor 1997 the BC Rail Group posted a profit of $40.198 million dollars. On a related note, B.C. Liberal Municipal Affairs Critic Ted Nebbeling recently introduced a bill in the legista- ture that, if adopted, would make the provincial government and Crown Corporations subject to municipal bytaws regarding land use, development and improvements. Among other things, this would have the effect of ensuring that Crown Corporations such as Vancouver Wharves pay municipal taxes or grants: -in- ficu based on their properties’ assessed value as opposed to payment of an arbi- trary (lower) amount as is currently the case. Don Bell Mayor, North Vancouver District BARTLETT -. ”” COUPON > eo a or ce eo 0 0 wee ee et oo ew os en we sn co al tthe, we ‘Prices are in effect September 6 to September 10 WHILE QUANTITIES LAST Welcome to our new Website www.kinsfarmmarket.com Submit Your Feedback To - Enter a Lucky Draw For A FREE FRUIT BASKE Next draw end of October! Wednesday, September 6, 2000 ~ North Shore News - 9 \ Repairs & Service Specialisis Summer is here, so put your mind at ease with our Special offer. LUBE, Oil, FILTER . ‘24s Check alf uid levels and correct if necessary “includes olt & filter tases extn Summer Super Service Tung up including ignition system inspection, replace spark plugs, battery service, air filter service. $ . Scope engine and check exhaust 4g emission levels depts parts, & fares ‘We alse have speciats on & & 8 cy: (mest Cork and light BUCaS} Cooling System Service Pressure test cooling system, change antilreeze, check belts and hoses. includes antilreeze Wheel Alignment On the latest 611 Hunter alignment machine providing a computer generated before & afier report 570 We are also a complete autobody vat shop 183 Pemberton Ave. TASES 9B5-7195 Arse )95- teres extra (most cars & ight ovett} 25 * Four wheel Front wheel —— alignment .. alignment Classes start week of September 18th Yoga Moves is a studio, specially constructed for yoga classes, “Its a very comfortable and peaceful setting.” says auner Frankdin Schover, who és also an instructor, The Meticulously clean studio has heated Booring and expansive windows that overlook Mekay Park. "Were imiting everyone to our Open House. Drop by for a visi and see our studio!” says Franklin, who has been teaching yoga for ten years now. Instractors Susan Bull and Sarsh Godfrey will be on hand to answer questions ahout yoga and their classes. Sturlcats will also be able to register on that cy. Yoga Moves, established in 1994, specializes in lyengar-sne Yoxa instruction, a form of Hatha Yoga, The program incorporates a methodical and systematic wiy of teaching the poses, allowing students to work their way up while minimizing the chance of injury. “Students concentrale on the breath and te alignment of their bodies and work through different classic postures,” says Franklin. “Yoga is wonderful for stress retcase. It also increases flexibility and builds body strength.” : . Owner Instructor Franklin Schryver Morning & Evening ’ Classes #1 20-1000 Roosevelt Crescent North Vancouver: ‘ {2 blks south of Marine Drive at MacKay): 986- 381 calt Anytime. Leave name and actress to have schedule: of class smes, costs and vegistration mailed to you. oo Tothethousandsof ts ‘St. John Ambulance Volunteers: StJohn Ambulance -tyoudreinterested h becoring at John Arebulonce volute pleas olen 2 oni FA ; RULES | tasivd ora ld ie sstued ania 2; ta! Ah a Mie heated