2009/05/04 (6) x.'a.'~i~`+
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The City of Nia~ara Falls, Ontario
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May 4, 2009
No. 21
1VV~oved by Councillor PIletra~gelo
Seconded by Councillor Dioclatn
W~IEREAS the City of Niagara Falls has many small "mom and pop" motel operations; and
W~IEREAS these motels are subject to the vagaries of the economy; and
WHEREAS downturns in the economy, and more specifically, tourism have a detrimental effect on
these motels; and
WI3EItEAS many of these motels are forced to close during the off-season or winter months; and
W~IEREAS neither the Municipal Act nor Assessment Act have mechanisms for relief for seasonal
businesses; and
WHEREAS s. 364(1) of the Municipal Act provides the authority for a tax rebate program for owners
of vacant property in the commercial and institutional classes; and
WHEREAS O. Reg. 325/01, Tax Matters - Eligible PNOperry under Section 364 of the Act does not
allow seasonal commercial businesses of availing themselves under the vacant rebate program.
THEREFOY2~ BE 1ZESOg,V~I~ that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be requested
to have Ministry staff to work with the industry to devise a Vacancy Rebate Program tailored to the
Accommodations sector; and
~'~1R'Y,~IER ~E ~T ~2ESOI.VEI~ that this resolution be circulated to other Ontario municipalities.
Carried YJnanimouslv
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
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DEAN I~ A R~ ~~,,('I'EI)) ~SALCI
CITY CLERI~ i4~ ~ ; ' 'IS!IA~'OR
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