The Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce is asking city council for a property tax exemption as it works to improve its finances and expand community programming.
Executive director Daneka Hughes appeared before council to present the chamber’s application for a 2027 permissive tax exemption for its building at 904 102nd Ave.
“This exemption would support our continued service and delivery, the economic development work that we have ongoing and that we are hoping to launch in the start of 2027, and our community partnerships,” Hughes told council.
Hughes said the chamber took possession of the downtown property four years ago and operates nine office spaces and a shared boardroom.
She said property taxes have increased to $9,700 from $8,100 over the past four years and an exemption would ease financial pressure on the non-profit.
“Every dollar saved… allows us to reinvest that money into community programming and our economic development that we are pursuing,” Hussey said, pointing to upcoming initiatives such as a youth entrepreneurship program set to launch in January.
The presentation prompted discussion among council members about how the building’s space is used. Councillor Earl asked how many of the office suites are currently rented to other community organizations.
Hughes said the building serves as a collaborative hub for groups including the South Peace Crime Prevention Society, Arts Northeast, the Peace Liard Regional Arts Council and the Fort St. John Association for Community Living.
“Our boardroom gets an average of six uses per month by non-profits for their meetings,” Hussey added, noting that groups such as the local hospital foundation and the Kodiaks regularly use the facility.
The request comes as the chamber works to stabilize its operating budget following what Hughes described as a challenging period.
Hughes said the chamber reduced staffing, deferred non-urgent maintenance and cut office hours in 2026.
“In the past year, we have significantly changed how we are operating at the chamber to help the businesses more and keep our costs as low as possible so that we are able to help people without charging them huge membership fees,” Hughes said.
Hughes said the measures are expected to reduce expenses by 10 per cent annually over the next three years and put the chamber on track for a balanced budget by 2027.
Councillor Appolonio commended the executive director on the organization’s financial trajectory, noting that revenues are improving compared with previous years.
“Our revenue is up, and it’s slowly balancing,” Hughes responded. “It’s just a matter of climbing the mountain.”
Council received the delegation’s presentation. The chamber’s tax exemption application is to proceed through the city’s review proces
