The Islands Chamber of Commerce disappointed with the 2023 municipal budget

The Chamber of Commerce of the Islands deplores the property tax increase planned for commercial and industrial properties in the 2023 budget of the Municipality of the Islands.

The adjustment for commercial properties will now be $2.92 per $100, which is equivalent to an increase of more than 30 percent.

The rate for industrial buildings will reach $3.63, an increase of 45 percent.

Its director general, Antonin Valiquette, describes the increase as « exaggerated ».

However, the Chamber believes that the elected officials and civil servants of the municipality have done this exercise in good faith because of the difficult financial context.

In this sense, Valiquette says he would rather rely on government intervention to « balance » the tax burden on businesses than point the finger at local decision-makers.

He also points out that the post-pandemic economic recovery is not happening at the same speed in all sectors, citing the hotel and restaurant industries in particular as being weakened by current economic conditions.