Abbotsford News, March 06, 2012

Page 1

TUESDAY

NATIONALS TREASURED

MARCH 6, 2012

After finishing second in Canada West, the UFV men’s basketball team is off to nationals A20

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Tax hike 1.66% this year Tiered water system eliminated, uniform rate set

Kevin MILLS Abbotsford News

The average Abbotsford taxpayer will be charged an extra $31 on their municipal tax notice, with the city’s approval of a 1.66 per cent tax increase for 2012. On Monday, council ended two months of debate by agreeing to the increase, which will see the police department receive 1.1 per

cent, city operations get 0.93 per cent and city capital reduced by 0.37 per cent. A one per cent increase is equivalent to $1,094,000 of city revenue. Council also rejected all staff recommendations for new water rates, and instead approved a single uniform rate of $1.15 per cubic metre (1,000 litres), proposed by Coun. John Smith. This new rate eliminates the

controversial tiered water rates. The new rate will go into effect on May 1, 2012. “I was never in favour of it (tiered rates),” said Mayor Bruce Banman. “It created confusion, anger and division in our community.” Under the current system about to change, the base water rate is $1.13 per cubic metre. Continued on A3

DARING TO CARE A9 Yale all-night fundraiser generates close to $20,000 for kids’ cause

PASTOR CHARGED A3 An Abbotsford minister has been charged with sexual assault

‘PROM’ FOR MUSICIANS A14 First annual event raises funds to support musical education, in honour of Party drummer

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JOHN MORROW Abbotsford News

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance attracted a near sell-out crowd of about 3,500 to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre on Saturday night. The Celtic show is a classic tale of good versus evil, based on Irish folklore and told through music and dance. A smaller crowd turned up for the additional matinee performance earlier that afternoon.

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