Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is pleased to advise that it has resolved the long-standing disagreement with the federal government in connection with the payments in lieu of taxes for the taxation years 1997 to 2015, by the federal government paying the sum of $20 million to the municipality.
“On behalf of Regional Council, I’m delighted that we have addressed this outstanding issue,” said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. “This is the culmination of a significant effort over the past few years with our counterparts at the federal government, and our municipal staff worked hard to achieve a positive resolution. The municipality will now have the opportunity to invest that money toward the betterment of our region as a whole.”
The $20 million payment reflects the successful conclusion to lengthy discussions held between senior officials from the municipality and Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Citadel Hill is a National Historic Site contained within a 48-acre parcel of federally-owned land in the heart of Halifax’s downtown business district. It is a former British Fortress (Fort George) and is currently under management of Parks Canada, operating as a park and museum. As the property is federally-owned it is exempt from real property taxation, but is subject to a payment-in-lieu of taxes (PILT) under the federal PILT Act.
Note to Media: There will be a media opportunity today, Friday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. for interviews with Mayor Mike Savage and John Traves, Director of Legal, Insurance & Risk Management. Location: Halifax Hall, City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax.
Source: Release