Feature Article October 28, 2004
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Will councillors aim for true zero tax increases?I very much share Al West's concerns (The Frontenac News, October 21, 2004) regarding the rapid increase in local taxes.
However, in fairness to our councillors, we should remember that responsibility for one major aspect of this problem lies with our provincial government. While council has a large measure of control over the average tax level, it has no control over the distribution of taxes within the township. A large part of the tax increase experienced by some long term waterfront residents is due to their property values increasing at a faster than average rate. This is the result of provincial regulations - the province directs MPAC to determine property values and township councils to levy taxes based on those values. We must address our concerns on this issue to our provincial representatives.
Property values are not being adjusted for 2005, except for new construction or major renovations. Most of us will not be receiving a letter from MPAC this November. Next year, any tax increase will be obvious - it will, for a change, be the same as the tax rate increase. Our councils will not be able to increase taxes by double digit percentages hidden behind increasing property values.
To our Frontenac councillors - South, Central and North - most of us, your constituents, have experienced very large local tax increases in recent years - will you undertake to aim for true zero tax increases in 2005? If you continue to raise taxes as you have in recent years, how will you justify to Al West, to me and to your other constituents, our voting for you in the next municipal elections?
- Michael Wise
Re: The LLA
Hey - it's 2004, not 1904. Unlike in my grandfathers time, there sits in my shed a machine capable of stripping down my property to the rock as clean as God can with a glacier. And I'm sure there's a market for the wood, the soil, the stray boulders, even the rock below grade if I want to crush it, etc. Now just because I can do that, does it give me the right? And bear in mind that once the thing is stripped down, or "developed", it stays that way for a long, long time.
If my great-grandfather, Tom McEwen, late of Tichborne, had had a chain saw, there wouldn't be a tree left in Frontenac County. If his father, Tom McEwen, had had a similar saw, I hate to think what this end of the province would look like today.
Along with the abilities that 20th century technology has afforded us, there comes a new 21st century responsibility to curb our appetite. We owe it to our neighbours, and we owe it to future generations. Question: who do you trust to protect what we have left. Our own local and caring MPP Leona Dombrowski, or the LLA?
And post-script to Paul M. Wicher. I respect your right to an opinion, but lets keep it civil, shall we?
- John McEwen, Verona
ATV clubs need to develop trailsWe are cottage owners on Lake Mazinaw and it has come to our attention that the issue of ATVs being allowed on public roads has arisen in this area, as it has across the province (orchestrated by the manufacturers perhaps?). Our primary residence is in Grey County, where we have heard arguments on both sides at a public meeting. Our observations and conclusions are as follows:
? ATVs seem to be the non-winter equivalent of snowmobiles. It would seem logical therefore that the rules governing their use should be similar.
? There is no doubt that increasing numbers of ATVs are being purchased as recreational vehicles, so it is important to establish carefully thought-out guidelines for their use. It is, of course, always easier to establish strict guidelines at the outset of a new venture and gradually ease them if experience suggests that would be appropriate, rather than having few restrictions at first, then trying to tighten up later.
? The marketing of ATVs stresses such things as fun, adventure, speed, thrills, and danger; just consider the names of some of the models.
? ATVs seem to be intended primarily for off-road use.
? Just because someone buys a new toy, the township (i.e. the taxpayers) need not feel an obligation to provide support facilities.
? The use of ATVs on public roads seems dangerous. At what speed? How would this be enforced? In daylight hours or anytime? How could the safety of the ATV operator or that of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists be ensured? If this involves extra cost, will that be reflected in a tax increase for residents? What protection from the noise is there for a resident (i.e. taxpayer) who enjoys the peace and quiet of a property on a country road?
? In considering the potential economic benefit of an additional recreational activity in the area, it is important to balance that with any adverse effect it may have on already existing activities and property values.
? ATV clubs need to develop a system of trails like the snowmobilers have done.
? We encourage council to declare a 12-month delay to allow further study of the bylaw and its implications for all residents.
- Ed and Lynda Long, Ottawa
