What could your community do with millions of extra dollars?
The Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists Association (KASHA) and Adcvocacy Canada are asking this very question, as they challenge the significant financial subsidy that religious institutions in the City of Kelowna receive through property tax exemptions.
The detailed campaign argues that religious institutions should contribute to the municipal services they utilize, just like any other property owner. They raise a fundamental question: Why are religious properties tax-exempt?
"We believe it's a matter of fairness," said Wilbur Turner, President of Advocacy Canada. "These properties benefit from fire protection, road maintenance, and other city services, all funded by taxpayers. It's time to reconsider whether these exemptions are still equitable in our increasingly secular society."
The organizations highlight that many religious institutions operate businesses or hold significant assets beyond purely charitable functions. They argue that these commercial activities should be subject to the same tax laws as other businesses.
“This is not an attack on spirituality," said lead KASHA researcher Nina George, "but an invitation for the religious doctrine based organizations to align with our shared societal values and contribute more equitably to the community,"
Their upcoming public talk on March 9th at the Kelowna Downtown Library is designed to foster a constructive discussion about this complex issue. They aim to inform the public and encourage a critical examination of current policies.
The BC Humanist Association (BCHA) has long campaigned for fair property tax exemptions across BC.
Executive Director Ian Bushfield commented, "KASHA's campaign underscores the importance of religious neutrality and the fair distribution of local tax burdens. In a diverse and increasingly secular province like British Columbia, it's essential to have open and honest conversations about how public resources are allocated. We support their efforts to bring these issues to the forefront."
KASHA is asking Kelowna residents to sign their petition to City Council demanding a pause on the five-year automatic tax break for places of worship and a more equitable policy going forward.
Note: An initial draft of this post was written with the assistance of Google Gemini.