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Faith

Toronto Schools Hit Churches With Up to 400% Rental Increases, Leave Most Other Group Rates in Place

Sep. 13, 2012 10:22pm

Is Christianity in America under attack?

This is a question that many faith-based advocates have been asking over the past few years, particularly in the wake of the federal government’s controversial contraceptive mandate and atheists’ ongoing attacks on religious symbols.

One prominent piece of anecdotal evidence unfolded when churches in New York City found themselves in an epic battle with the government over renting space in public schools last year. While Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials fought to ban the houses of worship from using the public space, churches won an injunction against the city earlier this summer. Now, there’s a new battle up north, where faith leaders in Toronto, Canada, are facing similar constraints.

Toronto Schools Raise Rent on Some Churches 400%

Photo Credit: AP

Late last month, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) delivered a stunning blow to churches when it announced that, starting September 1 — just 48 hours after learning about the change – that faith-based groups would no longer be able to take advantage of the reduced rental rates that are available to other charitable organizations, World Magazine reports.

The shocking move led to mass rental increases that were double — even tripple — what the churches were paying previously. In addition to having virtually no time to come up with the funds to meet the massive monthly rental gap, houses of worship were informed that they will face another 44 percent increase on January 1, 2013 (all renters will be charged this rate).

These actions, considering their swiftness and targeted nature, are being viewed by many as discriminatory and dangerous to churches’ survival. With churches sometimes lacking the ability and resources to bring in additional funds, many may face closure without an accessible location to meet in.

According to school district spokespersons, the decision to raise rents was made in February to help close a massive budget gap ($110 million). Apparently, opening the schools up to outside groups has led to a $11 million deficit — a hole that officials are hoping to close, at least partially, by bringing in more income from faith leaders.

CTV has more about the process through which the district is now classifying churches:

Fees are based on a three-tier rate system. Two levels of subsidized pricing exist for non-profit groups that fit certain criteria.

According to the TDSB, groups such as Scouts Canada, Girl Guides, the YMCA and registered charitable organizations receive subsidized pricing.

A third category, which went in effect this month, lists “all faith based organizations operating educational programs or conducting religious services,” as non-subsidized groups. This category also includes permit users that do not qualify for any of the other permit user categories on the list.

Any permit holders in the “registered non-profit” category received a letter as late as Aug. 29, informing them of the changes to the fees. These groups were suddenly switched and renamed to fall under the “non-subsidized” category.

Toronto Schools Raise Rent on Some Churches 400%

Photo Credit: FILE

A list of subsidy changes is published on the TDSB web site. The first point explains that religious organizations are no longer eligible to enjoy rental discounts. Among the other changes are amendments for groups that book “a large number of permits” and Saturday hours of availability:

1. Although religious organizations are mostly “registered non-profit” bodies, the Board has determined that the cost of running religious services will no longer be subsidized.  Therefore, these permits will fall into the “non-subsidized” category.

2. In order to provide more equitable access to the subsidy, groups that book a large number of permits will not be eligible for the highest level of subsidy.

3. The “community adult” group has been eliminated.  This group will still be eligible for subsidized rates, but at a lower level.  Adult groups that book a large number of permits will fall into the Non-Subsidized category.

4. On Saturdays, the subsidized permit hours are shortened, ending at 6 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.

Pastor Dan MacDonald of Grace Toronto Church, a house of worship that meets at a local school, claims that, while there is general outcry, the churches are scattered. “I don’t think churches know what to do,” he explained. And Pastor Julian Freeman of Grace Fellowship Church, another local congregation, mirrored these sentiments.

“But more important than just the cost issue, it seems to me, is the blatant discrimination against religious groups in general, and Christian churches in particular,” Freeman said, noting that his church’s monthly rate increased from $990 to $4,000. ”The changes to the permitting policy specifically target ‘faith-based groups’ alone. The TDSB must be called to account for this.”

Again, the increases, which amount to 400 percent for some churches, are based on the notion that these churches — at least in the eyes of of TDSB officials — are no longer considered charitable groups. The reason for this change in designation isn’t currently known.

(H/T: World Magazine)

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Comments (84)

1 2
  • Derffred
    Posted on September 15, 2012 at 12:40pm

    What the article fails to mention is that Muslim prayer rooms are provided in the same schools at no charge during the school day and that teachers are required to supervise them! Is that freedom of religion?

    Report this comment

    Derffred  
    • Thautikus
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:35pm

      No, it is all about appeasement of Islam. Make no mistake, threats and intimidation are at the root of the Toronto School Board decision to allow integration of Islam into the school’s curriculum. The same group of people that pressured the Board to do this are the same group that pressured the Provincial Government to adopt Sharia Law as a separate legal system. In a despicable display of vote pandering the Ontario government actually tried to do so but was blocked by the Federal government and a revolt from opposition Members of the Ontario Legislature. Thankfully most of the legislators behind the scheme were voted out of office in the last Provincial election which almost resulted in the collapse of the Ontario Liberal party, first past the post results allowed the McGuinty government to maintain a razor thin minority government but the popular vote showed only a 2% difference between the Conservatives and a pathetic 37% of overall total popular vote.

      Trust me, the real people behind this reversal of policy are politicians that are caving in to extremist elements within the Muslim ‘leadership’ and mark my words an exemption for these rent hikes will be proposed and adopted wherein any ‘Islamic’ organization or Mosque will be exempted.

      Stay tuned if your interested.

      Report this comment

      Thautikus  
  • ReaganMoreLiberalThanObama
    Posted on September 15, 2012 at 12:37pm

    Churches are not charitable organizations, they are for-profit tax dodges that return little to the community. Let the market decide.

    Report this comment

    ReaganMoreLiberalThanObama  
  • REINSTATE_THE_HUAC
    Posted on September 15, 2012 at 12:34pm

    The Toronto leadership THINKS that by raising the rent the DUMB CHRISTIANS will pay it and not blink an eye. SORRY but That will not happen. Schools were convenient but there are SO many other places for churches to gather. The Toronto leadership thinks they are going to rake in all kinds of “REVENUE” but quite the opposite will happen.
    It’s a lot like the whole liberal-progressive mentality of raising taxes to try to generate “REVENUE” for the federal government. Raising taxes SLOWS the economy down; people spend less and less tax is generated.

    TEA

    Report this comment

    REINSTATE_THE_HUAC  
  • ASE
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:51pm

    So, if this story is true, how would they justify the 400% increase?

    Report this comment

    ASE  
  • davecorkery
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:13pm

    Christianity is not under attack. That is just Bull from the likes of O’Reilly and Limbaugh. It’s just that more and more people are waking up to the scam, that god wrote a book so do what it says. He never wrote one word. Men did. There’s probably no god. So relax and enjoy your life.

    Report this comment

    davecorkery  
    • focusonquality
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Jesus is the son of God and he became man.
      I will pray someday that you wake up

      Report this comment

      focusonquality  
    • TrevorNT
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 11:44am

      So…question: what does that statement have to do with the article, exactly? Christian groups still give tons back to the community, both in money for charitable organizations worldwide, and in service through food banks and outreach programs. What does your statement have to do with their sudden, and very large, rent increase in order to continue using these schools as houses of worship?

      Report this comment

      TrevorNT  
    • truthprotector
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:44pm

      “The fool has said in his heart (and in your case publicly) there is no God”

      Report this comment

      truthprotector  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:11am

    “Is Christianity in America under attack?”
    LOL–no. Should it be? Yes.

    Report this comment

    The Third Archon  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:43am

      3rd Archon
      If you think by somehow someway destroying Christianity or all religion that you will make homosexuality acceptable, I suggest you go back & study basic psychology.

      Many people who are don’t go to church greatly dislike homosexuality. You will not accomplish your goals but you will pick up many enemies along the way.

      You see the activists can make up queer theory & ride herd over the psychologists. But inherent contradiction in theory will become evident & undo all that you have done. the truth will come at you sideways.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 2:26am

      You’ll never be able to destroy Christianity. Your side tried to destroy it during the Soviet Union and the attempt failed miserably.

      Report this comment

      Git-R-Done  
    • Balpit
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 2:10pm

      @Walkabout

      Interestingly, I happen to know some atheists who think homosexuality isn’t normal or natural.

      Report this comment

      Balpit  
  • just happy
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:06am

    do they have no Non discrimination laws relative to Religion??

    Report this comment

    just happy  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:09am

    in a word yes. It’s not christianity under attack it’s Jesus and all of us who love him. It’s not yet at the point when we’re being dragged out of our homes and being thrown in prison but one day..it’ll come. we need to be strong.

    Report this comment

    ChildofJesus  
    • JRook
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:35am

      Or perhaps it is just recognition that the churches in question are not as charitable as they claim and have the money to pay what OTHER non-subsidized organizations pay. No question that the Scouts, YMCA etc. serve a wider community base and these organizations volunteer their time for the larger community. And by the way why should any faith be subsidized by anybody other than their members?

      Report this comment

      JRook  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:58am

      @ JROOK….You do know what YMCA stands for correct?

      Report this comment

      SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • kimberlyjesus
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:38am

      Is next year soon enough for ya?

      Report this comment

      kimberlyjesus  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:44am

      SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING

      I have seen YMCAs near college campuses taken over by leftists groups.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
  • coldnorth
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 6:14am

    I think toronto schools are in for a rude awakening and lost revenue. It’s law of supply and demand. If you raise rates like this, churchs will go somewhere else, like empty stripmall stores.

    Report this comment

    coldnorth  
    • the_truth_or_not
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:07am

      COLDNORTH

      I dont understand your logic, if you raise the fees by 400%, then that is a 400% increase. Didnt you study math? Why would people leave, dont you know that they will then pay the additional revenue and all is well?

      I apologize to anyone that finds my comment to be my true thoughts.

      Report this comment

      the_truth_or_not  
    • Ginger30
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:43pm

      @the_truth_or_not

      You missed the forrest because you are looking at a tree…….
      coldnorth was pointing out that since rates are so high that people will not be able to pay. So they will go somewhere cheaper. As is says in the article on person rate went from $990 to $4,000. I may not know the going rental rates in Toronto but I am pretty sure they can go somewhere cheaper.

      It comes down to a stupid decision to raise the rates so dramatically. Sure on paper they would be making a lot more money but who could afford that price.

      Report this comment

      Ginger30  
  • ghostsouls
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:31am

    Why is there such an onslaught of people, and policies and laws, and protests all aimed at gutting religion from our society?

    Report this comment

    ghostsouls  
  • csbaby
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:13am

    Islam is on the rise and is becoming protected speech and action. No one will be allowed to “hurt their feelings” using their free speech. Christianity is being attacked. We need to call out all hypocrites – ask why the discriminiation – make them justify their acts of dscrimination in writing.

    Report this comment

    csbaby  
    • Pigpen
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:31am

      Kevin MacDonald PhD “Culture of Critique” series. This is the best explanation for hard to explain hypocrisy like the one you are calling out, CSBABY.

      Report this comment

      Pigpen  
    • Pigpen
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:43am

      GIT-R-DONE: “This is more evidence of left wingers just being the anti-Christian bigots and tolerance gestapo hypocrites that they are.”
      DARK JELLO: “Not only that, but apparently “lefties” cannot control their spending anywhere. Why are they so disconnected when it comes to living within a budget?”

      Seriously, people, even if you are one of those who dismiss me offhand as a loon, I CHALLENGE you to read Professor MacDonald’s “Culture of Critique” works. Or even just one of his articles! His theory EXPLAINS in clear and defensible terms these apparently illogical tendencies of the left AND their root cause. It is clear what the proposal from the left is to the rest of us: “EMBRACE deviant sexual behavior such as homosexuality and pederasty and allow yourselves to be destroyed by minority HATRED or FOREVER BE BRANDED A, **gasp**, A R3DN3CK RACIST !!!” Oh, no, don’t call me a racist! I will do anything! Please don’t ban my posts, theBlaze, I want to be hip and cool like the in-crowd. I don’t want to actually BE different or have opinions that actually ARE counter to the popular culture. I want to pretend with everybody else that rebels still wear leather, even though today in the ACTUAL REALITY AMERICA LIVES a true rebel is more likely to be someone who wears a tie…

      Report this comment

      Pigpen  
  • Aerocog
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:08am

    “Haven for tolerance” is something hear uttered about Canada quite often…hmph, not so tolerant now are we?

    Report this comment

    Aerocog  
    • Atrum Angelis
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:38am

      This is one city in Canada. Should we base all our thoughts of the US on say, Chicago policy?

      Report this comment

      Atrum Angelis  
  • 9111315
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:17am

    Double discounts on Friday?

    Report this comment

    9111315  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:44am

    This is more evidence of left wingers just being the anti-Christian bigots and tolerance gestapo hypocrites that they are.

    Report this comment

    Git-R-Done  
    • DarkJello
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:06am

      Not only that, but apparently “lefties” cannot control their spending anywhere.

      Why are they so disconnected when it comes to living within a budget?

      Report this comment

      DarkJello  
  • JohnLarson
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:30pm

    Giving special treatment to churches on renting property, taxes, grants, etc… all of that means private businesses have to pay more to operate.

    And our Constitution demands we have no law respecting religion, that includes giving them special treatment.

    Report this comment

    JohnLarson  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:28am

      Apparently you didn’t read the article and the article stated that other charitable organizations will still get the discount.

      Report this comment

      Git-R-Done  
  • asybot12
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:26pm

    Walk about, you are right, the lovely peace loving ambassador killing muslims do not pay a dime here! And if you object you are a racist! Just look at what is happening with KHADR the poor little boy who at 15 ( if not younger) killed and is a what ?? a hero ?? get a life dora you are a sick puppy.

    Report this comment

    asybot12  
  • USA-Ron
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:22pm

    this, todays world is moving against God,

    this will happen, no matter what we do.

    God will win, in the end,

    will YOU ???

    Report this comment

    USA-Ron  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:15pm

    This is the godless left at work. They cannot tolerate people of faith.

    Report this comment

    Tankertony  
  • Carlinpa
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:14pm

    Yup, the spirit of anti-christ is alive and well in Toronto

    Report this comment

    Carlinpa  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:56pm

    This is like the taxes on cigarettes. Tax people enough and they’ll stop smoking but all the programs you funded with the taxes will run out of money. The notion that the Toronto district is doing this to fill a budget deficit is just a lie. If you tax churches out of existence how does that fill your gap?

    Report this comment

    Al J Zira  
  • DOra Glasberg
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:53pm

    Another phony story – if anyone bothers to read the article.
    The clergy was getting bargain rates.
    They are now the SAME as everyone else.

    Report this comment

    DOra Glasberg  
  • libertarianodinist
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:46pm

    At least they spelled out for ‘em i’m sure the churches have the money to pay the rental increase,given all the money they hoard in the name of god.

    Report this comment

    libertarianodinist  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:50pm

      Whatever every you say newby, neuman, newman, novotny.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:56pm

      You get a grip.

      “But if you are a Muslim Imam using a school cafeteria as a mosque for Friday prayers, there is not only no increase — but no charge at all.”

      http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/04/tdsb-fee-hike-raises-rent-for-church-group-800

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Centurian
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:14am

      I find your comment totally baseless. As a Deacon and Treasurer for my church, I can easily tell you that you’re insane if you think churches “hoard in the name of God.”

      We have monthly bills, just like everyone else (electric, upkeep, etc.) and we have only two people who are paid by the church: one is the church secretary, working 16 hours a week at $10 an hour, and the pastor, who makes median income ($50,000+).

      The money we take in through tithing is carefully saved and spent on the above mentioned, plus a portion goes to pay for local, state, and international charities.

      We also spend money on gas cards and food for our food pantry. I have also written checks (at the Deacons body’s request) to people within the church and the community, who needed funding for paying bills to helping with the rent. We also work with several local charities, helping with soup kitchens and homeless shelters. We have clothing drives, where we collect clothing and give it to people and families in need.

      On the average, we break even, with a few dollars left over. Where you get this idea that churches hoard money is completely false.

      So, tell me, whens the last you belonged in an organization that did so much for the community?

      Too many people, like you, fail to realize the good work and charity we do in the community.

      Report this comment

      Centurian  
    • Komponist-ZAH
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:05am

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanic_neopaganism#Odinism :

      “…the term ‘Odinism’ is sometimes associated with racialist Nordic ideology, [...] As defined by Goodrick-Clarke (2002), Nordic racial paganism is synonymous with the Odinist movement (including some who identify as Wotanist). He describes it as a ‘spiritual rediscovery of the Aryan ancestral gods…intended to embed the white races in a sacred worldview that supports their tribal feeling’, and expressed in ‘imaginative forms of ritual magic and ceremonial forms of fraternal fellowship.’

      “[...]In the words of the Odinist Fellowship, ‘Odinism is a polytheistic religion. We believe in and honour the life-giving and bountiful gods and goddesses of the Odinic pantheon, whom we refer to collectively as the High Gods of Asgarth, or as the Æsir and Vanir. Our gods are true gods, divine, living, spiritual entities, endowed with power and intelligence,…’”

      “[E]ndowed” by whom???

      “‘…able and willing to intervene in the course of Nature and of human lives. It behoves us to seek their goodwill and succour through prayer and sacrifice…’”

      “[S]acrifice”!!??

      Report this comment

      Komponist-ZAH  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:39am

      libertarianodinist shot & scooted. He can’t stand toe to toe & fight or debate.

      He has nothing!.

      He didn’t listen to a thing Centurian said.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • sheriff32
      Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:44am

      There is a war with religion but finally the common sense thinkers are fighting back. no more disjoint for churches and they also should start paying taxes. Free loaders!

      Report this comment

      sheriff32  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:31am

      Sheriff32 – Keep repeating those Marxist lies. You Marxists aren’t common sense rational thinkers. And if anybody is a freeloader, that would be you Marxists. Why aren’t you calling for Planned Parenthood to pay taxes, pinko?

      At least churches provide help to people in need while you Marxists don’t.

      Report this comment

      Git-R-Done  
  • breakobamanow
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:40pm

    All these are the beginning of sorrows.Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

    This prophesy by Jesus has already been fulfilled in many countries throught history, when it comes to America and other now Christian tolerant countries you will know that He is the Lord your God. Christians are already being afflicted and are hated in every country, there is only one piece left. This will be the beganing of the signs that the coming of the Son of man is very near.

    And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

    Report this comment

    breakobamanow  
    • breakobamanow
      Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:04pm

      Just wanted to add…
      Matthew 16:18
      And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

      If it is a Church built by Christ he will perserve it. A chruch is not a building but the people that come together in Christ. It can be in a pasture on snow covered ground; for what sacrifice have we made for Him? We will endure to the shedding of our blood, for man can ki11 the body but not the soul. Amen

      Report this comment

      breakobamanow  
  • dickdastardly
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:34pm

    There is no shame left in the world it seems and the fear of God is surely lacking. There will be a day soon when all be bathed in regret.

    Report this comment

    dickdastardly  
  • oldguy49
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:26pm

    destroy the christine faith by banning it everywhere and become a muslim…………….watch..its happening

    Report this comment

    oldguy49  
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