SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
Kanata draws game plan
Coun. Richard Rutkowski is set to table a motion designed to reduce the $450,000 in property taxes the Sens pay to Kanata on the Corel Centre.
"We have to deal with this at some time. We can't just keep putting it off," Rutkowski said.
He wouldn't detail what the motion contains -- saying only that it takes "strong financial direction."
Last week, Ontario Finance Minister Ernie Eves said he's willing to help NHL teams in Ontario by cutting their taxes by millions of dollars.
That proposal could virtually wipe out the Sens' property tax bill, worth more than $4 million per year.
"I believe the property tax the Senators pay should be zero, but I'm leaving the door open to a negotiated settlement at a lower percentage," said Rutkowski, who has the support needed to get the motion added to tonight's agenda.
Senators owner Rod Bryden has said he'll move the team if he doesn't get about $10 million in tax breaks.
"I'm willing to get on with this thing so the region, the province and Rod Bryden will know what we're prepared to support," said Kanata Mayor Merle Nicholds, who remains opposed to wiping out the Corel Centre's property taxes entirely.
She wants to see fairness applied to how property taxes are assessed.
She said she doesn't expect council will be in a position to make a recommendation until at least Nov. 23.
"We're going as fast as we can but it's got to be understood our council should not be making a decision until we have some information and options in front of us," said Nicholds.
"If there are tax increases to the taxpayers, I want to be able to answer their concerns," said Nicholds.
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |