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Councillor’s
Communiqué : November 2005 - Issue # 96
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H.R.M. ECONOMIC STRATEGY
Over the past several months HRM
staff have been working closely with businesses,
government, community leaders and citizens to define
our region's economic future and the specific
actions required to get us there. The development of
the HRM's first comprehensive Economic Strategy is
the result. Development of the strategy was lead by
Project Manager, Fred Morley and an advisory
committee. The strategy is built on information and
feedback from four main sources: ideas drawn from
the Halifax Chamber of Commerce's Economic Summit,
consultation with organizations concerned with
economic development, a web-based leadership survey
and business interviews. The strategy sets out a
vision for transforming HRM by the year 2010.
www.halifax.ca/economicstrategy/index.html
. The five key goal areas of the strategy are:
- Supercharge our Labour
Force: HRM's bustling job market will compel
our young and ambitious to stay and make our
community a magnet for highly trained immigrants
and expatriates.
- Leverage our Creative
Community: HRM's investments in social and
cultural infrastructure will enhance the city's
persona as one of the most vibrant and unique
communities on the continent.
- Capitalize on our
Reputation: Renown as one of the continent's
great cities, HRM will draw top companies and
people.
- Convert Rivalries into
Partnerships: Each partner in the HRM's future
will work in sync to propel our economy forward in
a way that improves the quality of life for every
citizen.
- Create a 'Gung-Ho'
Business Climate: HRM will possess the best
business climate in Canada, to kick-start and grow
new enterprises and attract exciting companies.
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NON-PROFIT TAX EXEMPTION
HRM can help some non-profit
organizations reduce their level of property tax
through the Tax Exemption for Non-Profit
Organizations Program. This program is available
only to actively registered non-profit and
charitable organizations located within the boundary
of HRM. A Certificate of Registration under the
Society Act with the NS Registry of Joint Stock is
required. The aim of the program is to provide
modest public assistance to community-owned and
operated properties located within HRM that provide
accessible and affordable benefit to the general
public. There are currently four separate types of
assistance offered under this program: 1. Conversion
from commercial tax rate to residential tax rate.
This level of exemption is most often awarded. 2. A
partial exemption on the residential property tax
rate, either in the amount of 25%, 50%, 75% or as
high as 100%.
3. Conversion from business
occupancy tax (BOT) rate to a commercial tax rate.
With the pending elimination of the BOT, most
non-profit organizations may be impacted by any
increase in the commercial tax rate. For more info
about the BOT, Service NS & Municipal Relations,
14th floor, North Tower, 1505 Barrington St., Hfx,
NS, B3J 2M4, or call 424-5644 or e-mail busocc@gov.ns.ca
. Or go to:
www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/asmt/ps/business/business-faq.asp
4. Pre-Authorized Payment Plan
Program, This option is available to all property
owners.
Should you require further
information concerning this program, or to obtain
Application & Renewal Forms go on-line:
www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/TaxExemptionsforNon-ProfitOrganizations.html
Deadline for applications is Nov. 30th, 2005. |
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H.R.M. IMMIGRATION PLAN
HRM is working toward becoming a
more welcoming community for immigrants. Our
Immigration Action Plan (IAP) was developed with
representatives from business, government,
not-for-profit organizations, immigrant settlement
organizations and immigrants themselves. As you read
the IAP, please keep in mind the ways we can all
take specific actions in our own communities to make
our regions more attractive and welcoming for
newcomers. Because by working together, we can make
a difference. Immigrants will play a vital role in
our region's future social, economic and cultural
success. The IAP outlines a series of immediate and
medium to long-term recommendations that HRM will be
implementing. From citizenship ceremonies to HRM
website improvements, fulfilling the recommendations
of this Action Plan will increase accessibility to
HRM services and ensure municipal employees are
representative of the diverse community they serve.
For more information about the IAP, please refer to
the report at
www.halifax.ca/communications/index.html
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