Royal Canadian Legions in B-C are looking for property tax exemptions from the province.
"Property taxes are one of the single highest expenses for out not-for-profit, volunteer organizations," says Veronica Brown, President of the BC/Yukon Command. "Some branches are paying close to $100,000 on property taxes every year."
Legions across the country are very involved in giving back to their communities. B-C/Yukon chapters donate millions every year.
"Our branches provide over $3.8 million annually in funds donated for Veteran support, community groups, youth, individual emergency funding and hospitals," Brown says. "They are an integeral part of the social fabric of our communities."
The BC/Yukon Command's South Okanagan and Similkameen Zone has donated mor than $100,000 to the South Okanagan and Similikameen Medical Foundation for the expansion of Penticton's new hospital.
There are some branches that have exemptions in their communities. The BC/Yukon Command wants branches in all B-C communities to be exempt. They're hoping to get an audience with the province to state their case.