
Phil Tucker
28 sept. 2017
This Tuesday, September 26th, 2017, an announcement was made that, while very positive in some respects, also masks some concerning issues.
Pertaining solely to 401 Richmond is the news that 401 Richmond had purportedly won their appeal with the MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). This result will see the property assessment reduced from $57.6 million in 2016 down to $33.2 million and will include refunds back to 2013. It’s extremely important to note that this outcome is the result of a settlement born of attrition rather than a victory. While the settlement represents a significant tax break, the process and result are still mired in the "highest and best use" standard and may not be enough of a reduction to make 401 Richmond financially sustainable.
The second news item is that the province has agreed to allow the city to craft a special tax category for buildings that house artists and non-profit organizations. It is the creation of this tax category that offers the possibility of an impactful, long-term solution for 401 Richmond and other culture hubs – the catch is that it doesn’t exist yet.
This is an opportunity for the city of Toronto to make a change for the better. As supporters we must be vigilant to ensure that not only does the city follow through with this new tax category, but that it is implemented in a way that provides culture hubs with the required long-term solution that has necessitated its creation. If that turns out not to be the case, we must hold our government officials accountable.
Your voices were a *huge* part in bringing about this opportunity. Your signatures, comments, posts and shares showed that not only Torontonians and Canadians, but people from all around the world have experienced the magical realism of 401 Richmond and are willing to stand up and say that what lives in its rooms, halls, stairs and terraces matters. Thank-you.
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