Article content

Ottawa should tackle part of its $41-million operating deficit by charging hospitals and universities more for city services, Coun. Michael Qaqish argues.

The Gloucester-South Nepean representative is calling for a steep increase to the so-called “heads and beds” levy, which applies to colleges and universities, hospitals and jails. All such institutions are currently exempt from paying property taxes. Instead, provincial law allows for a per-head or per-bed payment to municipalities.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Charge province more for city services, councillor says Back to video

The amount of the current levy — which has remained unchanged since 1987 — is set at a maximum of $75 per full-time student, hospital bed or resident in a correctional facility.

An increase is necessary to properly reflect the city services these institutions have and continue to benefit from, Qaqish says, adding it couldn’t come sooner, as the city is facing a $41-million deficit this year.

“It will make a big difference for us at budget time,” he said Tuesday.