Globe and Mail article, October 12, 2006. 'Gentlemen, start your bulldozers: Heritage buildings lose a lifeline as Ottawa ends national preservation program. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... 12/TPStory
Heritage Canada Foundation Criticizes Federal Government Spending Cuts – Communiqué
Ottawa, ON - September 26, 2006 - The Heritage Canada Foundation denounces the government's cancellation of the federal Commercial Heritage Properties Incentive Fund (CHPIF), announced yesterday by Treasury Board President, John Baird as part of a list of cuts to "wasteful" programs. In the short time since it was introduced, CHPIF has proven its value in helping save buildings across Canada from demolition, with as many as 60 projects in the works.
"The early end of this program is only acceptable if it is replaced immediately with a tax incentive that encourages preservation of heritage buildings," says HCF's Executive Director Natalie Bull. "The US rehabilitation tax credit revolutionized the way American developers think about old buildings, encouraging re-use instead of demolition. The success of the CHPIF program proved that a made-in-Canada tax credit would do the same."
"The US tax credit is internationally recognized for its success at preserving historic buildings, stimulating private investment, and revitalizing communities," Ms Bull stated only yesterday before the Standing Committee on Finance.
Federal incentives for rehabilitation are proven and powerful tools. The Heritage Canada Foundation urges its members and supporters to speak out in support of a new federal tax incentive for rehabilitation. For more information, go to www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-047e.html
Brief and Speaking Notes to the Standing Committee on Finance
http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/news/brief_2006.htm
http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/news/ ... n_2006.htm