Peter Miles

Peter Miles, president of the Canmore golf course, made the presentation to Canmore town council Tuesday asking the town to forgive the golf course and curling club's tax bills.Miles said the town has the authority to exempt not-for-profit organizations from paying their taxes, something the town has already granted to the Lion's Club, The Alpine Club and The Legion.The club has also asked for an appeal of their taxes if their request does not come through.The club completed some archival research and discovered that it didn't have to pay property takes for nearly a 20-year span."The exemption has existed for many years, that's why we're here in 2008," Miles said."We discovered that the club had an exemption approved by council in April 15, 1968, and that continued into the 1980s."The course is accessible to the public, and that's why it received an exemption, Miles said, arguing that the course and curling club are integral to the town.

"The exemption should be refreshed.It was applied on an annual basis ‘til the mid-80s," Miles said. He also argued that a motion of council from 1978 in the recreational master plan stated that the course should be independent of financing.Miles said that's another reason the course should qualify for an exemption.As many longtime golf and curling club members watched from the council gallery, Miles listed many of the charitable contributions the course has made, including the creation of junior golf and curling clubs.The club is open to Canmore residents as well as weekenders, however locals receive a discount.Two thirds of memberships at the golf course are reserved for permanent residents.In order to sit on the board of directors, one must live in Canmore.Miles said the exemption would help the club repair its aging buildings."I can't say it's life or death, but it can help with rising costs.We have aging buildings that require capital costs to maintain them," Miles said.
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Miles said that they receive frequent requests for silent auctions, to which they donate.The course also hosts charity golf tournaments, and often donate the course.Casey thanked Miles for the presentation and asked administration to look into the issue. >

Peter Miles Past President: