1. Presentation to Port Moody City Council
ISMAILI COUNCIL FOR BC
Presentation to
Port Moody City Council

2. Tricity jamatkhana
11 Jamatkhanas across British Columbia that serve approximately 14,000 Ismailis
Tricity congregation first started practicing in a school gym in 1975
Tricity Jamatkhana has been in its current location for 17 years (since July 2000)
There are approximately 1600 congregants attending Tricity Jamatkhana

3. Registered non-profit
City of Port Moody’s guideline is unnecessarily restrictive
No requirement in BC that non-profit or religious organization comply with the Society Act
Non-profits have the choice as to whether or not they wish to incorporate as a legal entity
If a non-profit chooses not to incorporate, it is still a legitimate organization
The Ismaili Council for BC has been engaging in non-profit work for the past 40 years with an aim to improve the lives of its members and of the community within which its members live.

4. Registered non profit
The Community Charter, [SBC 2003] Chapter 26, enables the City of Port Moody to use its discretion in granting non-profit organizations a permissive exemption
S. 224(g) of the Community Charter provides that:
Tax exemptions may be provided for…land or improvements used or occupied by a religious organization, as tenant or licensee, for the purpose of public worship…”
The Ismaili Council for BC and the property in question fits squarely within this provision

5. Accessible to the public
The underlying intention of this guideline is to ensure that residents of Port Moody benefit from the activities of the Ismaili Council for BC
Many of the congregants attending Tricity Jamatkhana live and work in Port Moody
Provides a space for religious congregation in Port Moody
The Ismaili Council for BC hosts events throughout the year, many of which are open to the general public
Canada 150 Family Day – celebrate Canada’s cultural and artistic diversity
International Lectures – encourage dialogue, mutual understanding, broaden intellectual horizons and foster an appreciation for pluralism
Civic 150 – pledge of 1 million voluntary service hours to Canada