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

Don Taylor runs SantaB次元官网网址檚 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.

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

B次元官网网址淭hey said I am running SantaB次元官网网址檚 Village as a business because I am accepting money,B次元官网网址� he wrote on the Albion Neighbours Facebook page. B次元官网网址淪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.B次元官网网址�

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

B次元官网网址淲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,B次元官网网址� said Michelle Orsetti, bylaws manager, in a statement. B次元官网网址淭he safety and security of citizens is the highest priority.B次元官网网址�

She said the city found a B次元官网网址榩ublic assembly useB次元官网网址� 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.

B次元官网网址淭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,B次元官网网址� said Orsetti.

B次元官网网址淲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.B次元官网网址�

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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.

B次元官网网址淥ur role, as the city, is to ensure that the proper steps have been taken by event organizers.B次元官网网址�

ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
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