A religious charity that owns Knapp Island has lost an appeal of a decision denying a property tax exemption for an island near the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.

The Matsuri Foundation of Canada sought the exemption from the Property Assessment Board for the 31-acre island as a 91裸聊视频減lace of public worship,91裸聊视频� according to a court decision released on Feb. 5.

In dismissing Matsuri91裸聊视频檚 appeal, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Francesca Marzani found the board properly denied the requested exemption.

Shin Mei Spiritual Centre is home to the Matsuri Foundation of Canada.

91裸聊视频淗ere, we offer a sacred space where people can find renewal of spirit and learn Shinto and Buddhist practice,91裸聊视频� Matsuri91裸聊视频檚 website says. 91裸聊视频淭he centre itself has spaces for prayer, meditation and ceremonies and a library of reading materials on spirituality.91裸聊视频�

In March 2023, the board found that Matsuri had not established that the public was invited to or had access to the island, so exempting it as a place of public worship was not applicable for the 2022 tax year.

Matsuri accepted the board91裸聊视频檚 finding on this issue, but argued that the island was entitled to an exemption 91裸聊视频渙n fairness and equity grounds when compared to other similar properties in British Columbia.91裸聊视频� Judge Marzani found board91裸聊视频檚 analysis fully addressed the equity issue.

The judgment said the board had heard from an assessor about 19 other Gulf Island worship sites that had some form of tax exemption, but those differed because of their accessibility, population and size.

Knapp Island is assessed as two parcels, according to court documents. The southern parcel91裸聊视频檚 land is assessed at $5,107,000, while the value of improvements to the south section is assessed at $3,427,000. The northern parcel91裸聊视频檚 land is assessed at $4,410,000.

Matsuri was previously sited at Bright Woods Spiritual Centre on Salt Spring Island. In 2021, the operations were transferred to the Shin Mei Spiritual Centre.

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