London police seek six-figure annual tax exemption for satellite location in mall

A storefront location for London police is set to open in Masonville Place, serving as a hub for police in the north end.

A year-and-a-half after the London Police Service (LPS) concluded a six-month pilot project operating a Community Engagement Centre inside CF Masonville Place, the London Police Services Board is negotiating a lease for a storefront satellite location inside the shopping mall.

On Monday, the Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee (ICSC) discussed declaring Unit L135 at 1680 Richmond Street (CF Masonville Place) as a Municipal Capital Facility for the purposes of exempting it from annual property taxes included in the cost of the lease.

“The annual property taxes on 2,857 square feet of space to be occupied by the London Police Services are estimated at $128,565,” reads a staff report.

The amount includes both the municipal portion of $98,711 and a provincial education portion of $29,854.

“I’m a little surprised, as the [committee] chair mentioned, at the cost,” admitted Coun. Steve Lehman, who is a member of the police board. “The tax rate up there, I guess Masonville is a high tax area, retail wise.”

According to the report, the London Police Community Centre will serve four purposes:

• Storefront location where residents can attend to make basic reports and inquiries.
• Community Engagement Space for LPS interaction with the public involving crime prevention, recruiting, and diversity.
• Community Services Unit where assigned officers would report for duty on a daily basis
• Patrol Officer Support Space where officers can complete reports and meet with members of the public

Coun. Corrine Rahman told colleagues, “Expanding the London police presence in the community and at CF Masonville Place is a warranted and welcomed addition to this part of the city.”

The committee recommended that the exemption be granted.

Council will make a final decision on March 3.