The Village of Daajing Giids Council has formally adopted Bylaw 170-2025, the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw, confirming which local organizations will be exempt from paying municipal property taxes for the 2025 fiscal year.
The bylaw, adopted at the Oct. 6 regular council meeting, continues the village’s long-standing practice of providing tax relief to qualifying non-profit, religious, and community service properties that contribute to public well-being. These exemptions are permitted under the Community Charter, which allows municipalities to waive property taxes for organizations providing services of demonstrable benefit to the community.
Permissive exemptions typically apply to properties used by churches, registered charities, and local non-profits operating community halls, daycares, cultural spaces, or recreational facilities. Each year, council reviews the applications to ensure compliance with policy and community value criteria before adopting the bylaw.
Council had previously given three readings to the bylaw at its Sept. 15 meeting, where it passed unanimously. The Oct. 6 adoption finalizes the process for 2025.
The bylaw allows council to renew existing exemptions or introduce new ones on a one-year or multi-year basis. Though the detailed property list is contained within the bylaw’s schedule, the intent remains consistent: to support organizations that reduce the need for taxpayer-funded services or enhance local quality of life.
Permissive exemptions differ from statutory exemptions, which are automatically granted under provincial law to public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Council’s decision-making on permissive exemptions is discretionary, balancing the benefit provided to the community against the cost in forgone revenue.
During the meeting, council did not debate the matter further, suggesting consensus on the list of recipients. The bylaw now takes effect for the 2025 taxation year, with affected organizations expected to see the exemption reflected on next year’s property tax notices.
The adoption closes the annual exemption cycle for the village. Any new applicants will be considered in 2026 when the process reopens.
