By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
BRAMPTON, Ontario, April 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A press release from the city of Brampton says that a review of “extensive public consultation conducted for the Places of Worship Policy Review” has resulted in a report which will be considered by the Planning, Design and Development Committee at its meeting on Monday, April 20, 2009, 1:00 pm in the Council Chambers.
In January of last year LifeSiteNews reported on a leaked “secret” document, commissioned by the Brampton city council, that studied the way churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship have traditionally been exempt from paying property taxes. The document recommended, among other things, taxing all “non-worship space” owned by religious organizations, such as halls, nurseries, offices, kitchens, parking lots, etc. It also recommended redefining what constitutes a “place of worship,” including removing provisions expressly allowing church properties to be used for community services such as day care or study centers.
The document, titled “Places of Worship Policy Review Discussion Paper of 2008,” caused a furor among Canadian people of faith and Brampton’s religious congregations. The furor resulted in the Brampton Planning Commission releasing the report to the public in February, 2008, and putting off consideration of the study until public consultation was undertaken.
The city thereafter hosted a public open house meeting, in June, 2008, and prepared a report of the results of the public consultation and “staff recommendations” with proposed amendments to the original “Discussion Paper.”
The Brampton city press release concludes with an invitation for continued public input to the Place of Worship Review and indicates that the staff report will be available on the City website www.brampton.ca/council_and_committees/
starting April 18, 2009, or by contacting the Planning, Design and Development Department at 905-874-2050.
To contact Mayor Susan Fennell:
The Mayor’s Office
City of Brampton
2 Wellington St. West
Brampton, ON L6Y 4R2
Phone (905) 874-2600
Fax (905) 874-2620
[email protected]
See previous LSN coverage:
Church Property Tax Exemption, Freedom of Religion and Association in Peril In Ontario City
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jan/08010407.html
City Suggestion to Tax Churches Gets Shelved after Public Scrutiny
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jan/08010903.html