If someone were to ask me about supporting non-profits, I’d be the first to put my hand up.
I believe we need the Whitehorse Food Bank, Kaushee’s Place, Yukon Foster Parents Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon, Child Development Centre, Downtown Urban Gardeners Society, Elder Active Recreation Association, Elizabeth Fry Society of Yukon, Grandparents’ Rights Association of the Yukon, Habitat for Humanity Yukon, Hospice Yukon Society, Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon and Raven Recycling. The list of Whitehorse and Yukon non-profit organizations, serving and enriching people’s lives, goes on and on.
Where I draw the line on non-profits is with organizations that have development plans requiring millions of dollars in municipal handouts. Even if these organizations don’t make a profit, in my view, they shouldn’t have the option to be non-profits. Taking taxpayers’ money to fund a “non-profit” organization that offers luxury services at a loss is wrong.
Mount Sima is a prime example of this.
If ever there was an organization that has been getting large funds from the City of Whitehorse it is the Great Northern Ski Society. Why is my tax dollar going to fund Mount Sima? This is a luxury service. It costs a lot of money to play at Mount Sima. Who can afford these services? Let the people who wish to play at Mount Sima pay the true cost of the services and let the City instead support non-profit organizations that invest in services for all the people of Whitehorse.
Coun. Kirk Cameron was gushing with enthusiasm Monday night over council’s choice of giving the Great Northern Ski Society another $1.3 million. He said this was “fabulous” and “a great investment in lifestyle.”
Whatever happened to your fiscal restraint promise during the last byelection, Mr Cameron?
The only person on council who voted against giving more money to the Great Northern Ski Society was Betty Irwin. Thank you, Mrs. Irwin, for your fairness and level-mindedness.
This same city council recently approved a three per cent increase in our municipal taxes and promised more increases in the years to come. Although I don’t like increases in my municipal taxes, I don’t mind if they go for real investments and development that bring a better life to the people of Whitehorse.
To give the Great Northern Ski Society another $1.3 million is not my idea of an investment that betters the life of the majority of the people of Whitehorse.
Non-profit organizations must scramble every year to obtain financial support to continue to exist. It is a crying shame to see the City give $1.3 million to an organization that caters to the elite of our society who can well afford these services without taxpayers’ dollars.
Municipal elections will be held this fall. I encourage all municipal taxpayers to think hard and long about who they will vote for.
If fiscal restraint and fairness in services are two issues that are close to your heart, you will chose to boot the whole council out except for Betty Irwin, if she opts to run again.
Carol Gingras
Whitehorse