Santa is complaining the Maple Ridge bylaws department has shut him down.

Don Taylor runs Santa鈥檚 North Pole Village at his home at 22395 124th Ave., where he lets families have photos with Santa sitting in his sleigh, check out his model North Pole village, and get a free stuffed toy.

Everything is done by donation, and proceeds to go the Chrysta Academy, which is a learning centre for children on the autism spectrum.

READ ALSO:

But this week Taylor has complained in social media that the city bylaws department has shut him down.

鈥淭hey said I am running Santa鈥檚 Village as a business because I am accepting money,鈥� he wrote on the Albion Neighbours Facebook page. 鈥淪o I said I would not accept donations for my next opening, and then they said I could not just invite people to my house like that or let them on my property.鈥�

The city bylaws department knows people are calling them Grinches online, but say this Santa has to take care of some red tape.

鈥淲e are keenly aware of the optics of this enforcement and while we understand the spirit and noble intentions of the charity effort, we have an obligation to act when a person is violating city bylaws,鈥� said Michelle Orsetti, bylaws manager, in a statement. 鈥淭he safety and security of citizens is the highest priority.鈥�

She said the city found a 鈥榩ublic assembly use鈥� at the residence, which is contrary to zoning bylaws.

A bylaws officer served a letter to Taylor on Dec. 18, advising a business license is required and the assembly use is not permitted.

鈥淭he operator is to cease operating until approvals are in place for his business, which does not allow the assembly use. We will be following up as soon as possible,鈥� said Orsetti.

鈥淲hen people are considering doing this type of event they need to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are following all of the proper approvals, especially given that the event caters to young citizens.鈥�

READ ALSO:

She said a criminal record check should be done, impacts on neighbours considered, and establishing a formal relationship with a registered charity to provide transparency around donations and tax receipts should be undertaken.

鈥淥ur role, as the city, is to ensure that the proper steps have been taken by event organizers.鈥�

ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
Like us on and follow us on