I read with interest the letter from David D. Hull concerning the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and its board of directors’ position on Plan A.

It is unfortunate that Monday January 19th 2009 is one of the days council has chosen not to be taking care of business as this is a matter they need to move on quickly to ensure it’s inclusion in the city budget they are drawing up.

Given Mr. Hull and the Chamber of Commerce’s “unwavering belief” that all 3 Plan A projects will make Abbotsford “a fantastic place to conduct business”, council must recognize the $benefits$ that will accrue to Abbotsford businesses from these projects.

In light of the breadth of the business $benefits$ cited by city council and other staunch supporters of these projects the business taxes levied on these $benefits$ should to be spread widely over the business community, rather than limited to the hospitality industry via room rental and meal taxes as is the case in Vancouver to pay for the Vancouver convention centre ensuring that businesses gaining $benefits$ from these projects, contribute to the costs of the projects in a manner reflective of the $benefits$ they will receive.

With two of the projects already open and the third scheduled to be open before the City’s new fiscal year begins, council needs to act promptly to ensure these $benefits$ are appropriately recognized and taxed; reducing the impact of debt repayment for capital costs and cost overruns, interest payments and the yearly operating expenses on ordinary taxpayers gaining no benefits from the Plan A projects.

It is fortunate Mr. Hull and his board of directors brought the matter to the public’s attention at this time as it permits council to include a tax reflecting the Plan A $benefits$ to business in the budget for the next fiscal year.

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The Times

Friday, January 16, 2009

EDITOR, THE TIMES:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce board of directors passed a resolution at their December board meeting to vociferously and enthusiastically support local efforts to secure an American Hockey League franchise for Abbotsford.

The Abbotsford chamber has been a staunch supporter of all three Plan A projects with the unwavering belief that an improvement to the quality of life in Abbotsford will make our city a great place to live. A great place to live is a fantastic place to conduct business.

The addition of an AHL franchise in our city would be a fantastic addition to the sporting and entertainment landscape.
We are confident that an AHL team in Abbotsford would not be to the detriment of other hockey leagues in the area, but in fact an important asset.

An AHL team would raise the awareness and appreciation of semi pro and junior league hockey and will in fact grow the overall market.
David D. Hull
Executive Director
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce