Aylmer’s central community group

Court decision could kill Aydelu!

One of Aylmer’s best-known – and valuable -- organizations is under the gun. Aydelu Inc. could fold if the Quebec Municipal Commission (QMC) rules against the association’s bid to preserve its tax exempt status.

 

The point at issue is a municipal tax exemption, and a decision is expected in 2017.

In December 2014, Aydelu lost its municipal tax exemption thanks to an unfavourable ruling from the QMC. The ruling sent shockwaves through Aydelu’s management, since it extends back to January 1, 2014. The QMC’s decision takes effect January 1 of the year of its decision, 2014.

Aydelu president Jacques Coderre told the Bulletin the association would likely cease its operations if it is required to pay municipal taxes. “We can’t afford this. We are run entirely by volunteers,” he said.

However, the QMC’s decision to revoke the tax exemption is under review. Last year, city council’s executive committee adopted a resolution to ask the QMC to hear Aydelu’s plea to recover its tax exemption.

In its initial ruling, the QMC said that activities hosted by Aydelu Inc at the Barn and other properties did not meet the educational or pedagogical standards needed to obtain a municipal tax exemption.

The QMC had not only removed Aydelu’s tax exemption for the Barn, but for surrounding properties -- the bowling alley, baseball diamond, green spaces, and parking lots. The QMC claims Aydelu activities in all these venues do not meet its criteria.

Aydelu, incorporated in 1971, originally grouped more than 32 community organizations from Aylmer, Deschênes, and Lucerne -- hence the name, Aydelu.