The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board's office building on Metral Drive was given a permissive tax exemption at a recent council meeting. (Robert Barron/News Bulletin)How the city determines who gets permissive tax exemptions raised concerns at a recent Nanaimo council meeting, after a real estate board was recommended one, but not supportive housing for women fleeing violence. She said when the criteria for permissive tax exemptions was being amended, there was some consideration to include non-market housing. Assessment would be better than the city could offer through its permissive tax exemption policy. Council voted to grant a tax exemption for the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, with Coun.