A Bowen Island summer camp with higher fees and fewer programs?
That's a very real possibility if not for the tax exemptions local politicians approved at a municipal council meeting on Oct. 7, according to the executive director of Camp Bow-Isle.
"We've been tax exempt for 53 years. We're obviously very grateful that we've been able to have that situation.
"And a couple years ago when it looked like that was in jeopardy, it was very challenging, very demanding, very unpleasant for us to contemplate our options," Jon Heath told The Undercurrent.
In total, councillors approved exemptions worth an estimated $29,000 to taxpayers in 2014 for five Bowen-based charitable, philanthropic or not-for-profit organizations.
Rivendell Foundation ($10,272), Tir-na-nOg Theatre School Society ($2,359), Bowen Island Golf Association ($327) and the Bowen Island Royal Canadian Legion ($1,220) are among the beneficiaries, in addition to Camp Bow-Isle ($14,729).
Heath said the exemption also means being able to support programs for students at all of Bowen's schools as well as local chapters of the Boy Scouts or Girl Guides.
"We're really happy to have the island community use the facilities as well. That's our focus and that's what we hope to be able to continue to offer to this community."
