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Queenstown holds the line on levies

Like most years, the Queenstown BIA's proposed 2016 budget allows a $20,000 write-off for vacant downtown properties.
DowntownSaultCirca1959
Post card, circa 1959, shows Queen Street looking east, with the future Ontario headquarters of SooToday/Village Media roughly centre of the photo, on the left side of the street.

Subject to City Council approval, the Queenstown Business Improvement Area levy paid by downtown property owners will not change in 2016.

Presented at an open house tonight, the proposed budget includes assessments of $185,000, the same amount contributed by BIA members last year.

Like most years, the entity formerly known as the Downtown Association allows a $20,000 write-off for vacant downtown properties, providing a spendable budget of $165,000.

The budget includes $20,000 for Queen Street events and $23,000 for streetscaping and beautification initiatives.

The BIA board served notice tonight that it wants to reduce the $19,000 it pays to rent its storefront office at 496 Queen Street East, either by subleasing or negotiating an end to its current lease.

The 2016 Queenstown BIA budget will be presented to City Council on March 8 for approval.

The association plans to vote on a permanent board of directors by June 1.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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