Referendum Will Ask Area G Taxpayers to Support Community Halls

Notch Hill Town Hall (Photo contributed)

By Jo Boxwell

The volunteer-run non-profit organizations that own and operate community halls in the CSRD have a lot to manage when it comes to funding essential upgrades and covering operating expenses, especially with aging buildings and rising costs. The Community Works Fund (formerly Gas Tax) was previously used to support infrastructure projects at the halls, but a recent change means non-government entities can no longer apply, unless those facilities are identified in a strategic plan and have an asset management plan. The CSRD is now working towards creating parks master plans that will help community halls regain eligibility for the CWF, however, the fund will only cover certain projects, and that same pot of money is needed to support other community assets such as water utilities, fire halls and parks.

Proposal for Taxpayer Funds

At the CSRD’s regular board meeting in May, Area G Director Natalya Melnychuk obtained the Board’s approval to hold a referendum at a cost of up to $40,000 that will ask Area G taxpayers to contribute financially to the area’s community halls. If the referendum is successful, funds will be distributed to Blind Bay Memorial Hall, Carlin Hall, Cedar Heights Social Centre, Notch Hill Town Hall and Sorrento Community Hall (operated by the Sorrento Drop in Society and Sorrento Community Hall Society).

Under the proposal, the halls would receive $10,000 each, except for the two societies that operate the Sorrento Community Hall, which would receive $7,500 each since there are some shared costs associated with operating from the same building. Director Melnychuk has suggested a parcel tax – a flat rate tax that is equal across all properties, amounting to a contribution of approximately $16.54 per parcel of land per year.

When asked about the contribution amount for the halls, Director Melnychuk explained that this money could be put towards operating costs such as insurance and utilities, helping community associations set aside funds for other needs, while at the same time recognizing “the cost to the taxpayer and what is a reasonable amount for the average taxpayer to undertake.”

Why Fund Community Halls?

Area G’s community halls all have unique aspects that make them valuable assets. As Tina Almond, President of Blind Bay Memorial Hall, said, “Community halls are more than just buildings—they’re places that bring people together. Having a local venue for events, programs, and activities enriches our lives and strengthens the bonds within our neighbourhoods.”

The many programs and events that are run directly by community associations or through third parties renting space at the halls are too extensive to list in full here. They include a wide range of activities such as youth performing arts programs, fitness classes, pickleball, pitch n’ putt, art classes, seniors’ programs and community celebrations.

Perspectives from the Community Hall Associations

Randy Baytaluke, President of the Carlin Hall Community Association, explained that insurance costs are “astronomical and it’s killing some of the halls.” Dean Wallace, Manager of Operations at Cedar Heights Community Association, confirmed that their insurance and liability costs are significant. Dean said that Cedar Heights is providing social and recreational opportunities to residents that the CSRD doesn’t offer, and “this would reduce the burden on our members if this referendum was to pass. It would mean a lot to us.” Similarly, Tina at Blind Bay Memorial Hall said the proposed funds “would significantly ease the burden on the volunteer board members who dedicate their time and energy to keeping these spaces running.” As Brett Bradstock, President of the Sorrento Drop In Society, put it, the proposed funds “may provide financial structure for our volunteer supporters and directors, easing concerns about whether expenses will make us shut and lock the doors to the community.”

Randy acknowledged that halls have previously accessed grant-in-aid funds, often to cover unforeseen issues, but those funds are not available to cover regular expenses. He added, “this proposed nominal tax increase is the best path forward to help keep all of the area halls afloat so that each can continue to provide their respective unique programs, etc., to their loyal members, local patrons and people that come from a great distance to enjoy a variety of events.”

Anna-Marie Eckhart, President of the Notch Hill Town Hall Association, expressed some concerns around whether Area G residents would support a tax increase, and noted that she would have appreciated more communication between the CSRD and the halls before the proposal went to the CSRD Board. She also highlighted the fact that the Notch Hill Town Hall Association “is working continuously at achieving self sustainability.”

What about Other Electoral Areas?

Director Melnychuk’s proposed bylaw only affects Area G. Some directors expressed an interest in the idea when the proposal was discussed at the CSRD board meeting, but nothing has been announced yet for other electoral areas.

Referendum

The referendum on this issue will be held before October, 2025. Director Melnychuk confirmed that at least one community meeting will be held on the issue before that time – further details to come.