A4 Friday, November 16, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George - News - Free Press

numbers behind the stats, which say there are 185 NFP’s in the city, compared to 42 in Kamloops. However, he pointed out the church’s property is

counted as two places, one being the parking lot.

Three NFP groups operate out of the church, he said, all on a shoestring budget, mentioning in particu-lar the food hamper program.

Wood said the bureaucracy at city hall

continues to increase. At first, churches were automatically exempt from taxes. Then they had to fill out a form each year to claim the exemption. He said since there are 185 NFP’s, the bureau-cracy adds staff time and cost to the process. Now one option listed in the KPMG report, he said, adds again to that bureaucracy.

Mostafa Mohamed, president of the city’s Muslim Association, said they finally saved enough money to build a worship centre, and now they are being told it will be taxed.

“We struggled hard to establish a place of worship,” he said.

He added the exis-tence of a place of wor-ship in Prince George helped draw at least 200 international stu-dents, primarily from Saudi Arabia, to the city, injecting $500,000 every month into the community.

“The city can’t run like a business,” one resident said. “It’s not here to make a profit. Do not tax not-for-profits, tax the people downtown, for cry-ing out loud. They already have enough tax breaks.”

Captain Neil Wilkin-son said the Salvation Army has been part of Prince George for 92 years. He said the city should celebrate the fact it has 185 not-for-profit organizations.

“Celebrate the 185 not-for-profits that make this one of the best communities in all of B.C.,” he said. “Show us your support by not taxing not-for-profits.”

OTHER IDEASThe crowd expressed

its appreciation for for-mer mayor Dan Rogers, who spoke at the meet-

ing as well, by greeting him with an exuberant round of applause.

Rogers said the sug-gestions laid out fol-lowing the core review are short on revela-tions and new ideas. The potential impact of some of the proposed changes are question-able.

He pointed out that consolidating 9-1-1 ser-vices may sound ratio-nal, but it was a pos-sibility the city looked into a decade ago, resulting in a docu-ment called the Mitch-ell report which con-cluded doing so would risk public safety.

Janet Bigelow, presi-dent of CUPE local 1048 and one of the event organizers, asked why Initiatives Prince George wasn’t scruti-nized like other organi-zations.

“What about IPG? They get $1 million while similar organi-zations in cities like Chilliwack get $500,000 annually. We have not-for-profits who can’t afford milk, who can’t afford to help the peo-ple who need it the most, but we can give IPG $1 million?”

Several things could be done to save money that wouldn’t hurt the local not-for-profits, she said.

She suggested the city can save money in simple ways, like not adding fluoride to the water, to discontinuing financially supporting the sports centre at the university.

The I ‘heart’ PG orga-nization said it intends to continue the conver-sation started last week by organizing another public meeting soon.

Non-profits worried about changesfrom PAGE A3

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press

Jasmin Smith shows off the unique packaging for Dirty Laundry Vineyard, one of many wineries offering tastings Saturday at Theatre North West’s Wine Lover’s Afternoon. The event took place at The Exploration Place.

Presentation

What is St. John’s Wort?St. John’s Wort is a herb that has been safely and effectively used for over 2000 years. In more recent times, extensive studies have shown this herb to have anti-in�ammatory, anti-viral, anti-depressant and seda-tive properties. According to Dr. Reuter of the Medical Faculty of the Uni-versity of Cologne in Germany, the best form to consume St. John’s Wort is in an oil extract. This is due to the complex set of active ingredients, all of which seem to work safely and effectively when taken together.

Flora St. John’s Wort Oil contains only the �nest extract of whole St. John’s Wort �owers in a base of extra virgin olive oil to maximize effectiveness!

Cautions: this product is not intended for use on persons with severe forms of depression. When using this product, avoid excessive sunlight and/or tanning beds.

Made with sunshine to lift your spirits

IMPROVE YOUR MOOD

or your money back!GUARANTEED

FlorasilWhen everyday’s a bad hair, skin and

nail day ...... it’s time for Florasil. It didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it has probably taken years for the signs to become annoyingly visible. Chipped, dull nails. Thin, listless hair that won’t grow long. That breaks off too easily in a hair brush. Tiny and not so tiny wrinkles that have appeared much too early for your stage in life.It’s easy to attribute these problems, plus the invisible deterioration of bones and connective tissue to aging, and to decide to simply live with the inconvenience. In reality the problem could well be a lack of silicon, which is easily corrected. And with respect to bone and con-nective tissue is much deeper than a cosmetic issue.

Vital for proper bone formation and to maintain normal bone structure.

Necessary for proper and speedy healing of bone fractures, torn and damaged tendons and ligaments.

Maintains the integrity, elasticity and stability of arterial walls improving atherosclerosis.

Maintains the elasticity and suppleness of the skin.

Helps to grow thick, strong and shiny hair.

Works to prevent disc degeneration in the back.

Helps maintain strong, �exible nails.

Improves integrity of tooth enamel to prevent decay.

Ave Maria SpecialtiesMonday-Friday 8:30-8

Saturday 10-6; Sunday 11-5

Mother Maria’s MarketMon. to Sat. 10-6; Closed Sunday

Healthy Products for Body, Mind and Soul

On Sale until Dec 15thReg. $42.99

Sale$34 180 Caps

On Sale until Dec 15thReg. $41.99

Sale$34 180 Caps

www.promoandgrow.com

DRAGGIE Fashion & Gifts

Now carrying a small selection of special occasion ladies wear for prom, bridesmaids and more. Have your special dress YOUR way without breaking the bank...and remember I’m always here for all your alteration and custom sewing needs.

To book an appointment call

Dragica (Drew) Anderson • 250-562-6837A Prince George Home-based Business

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGThursday, November 29th, 2012PG Metis Housing Society Basement

1224 Houston Lane6:00pm

1. Special Resolutions to change the Constitution and by-laws

2. Audited Financial Statements3. Annual Report4. Elections for Board of Directors

• Copies of special resolutions are available at the of� ce and will be posted on our web page.

• Our existing unoffi cial consolidated Constitution and bylaws are available at the of� ce and will be posted on our web page.

• Board Nomination Forms can be picked up at our of� ce and will be posted on our web page and must be completed and handed in prior to the AGM

• Membership renewal and new membership applications are available at our offi ce and will be posted on our web page. They must be completed and handed in by November 22, 2012.

If you have any questions, feel free to call;Leo Hebert, Exectutive Director

at 250-564-9794Web page: www.pgmhs.com

“We provide safe, healthy, and affordable housing for Aboriginal people of all income, ages and capabilities.

PRINCE GEORGE MÉTIS HOUSING SOCIETY

The Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable Society is holding its Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, November 20, 20126:30-7:30pm

City Hall Annex1100 Patricia Blvd., Prince George, BC.

All PGAIR meetings are open to the public. For further information please contact PGAIR at info@pgairquality.com or 250-612-0252.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING