To the editor:
I don’t begrudge paying a reasonable amount of tax for recreation; however, there is a point where taxation becomes a bit ridiculous.
The multi-million-dollar pool complex being proposed by the South Cariboo Aquatic Society would create an estimated $15.1-million debt and property owners will have to shoulder the majority of that debt if approved.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has indicated it will increase property taxes by $135 per $100,000 of the assessed property value.
It’s an easy calculation!
If your property is assessed at $200,000 it will add $270 in tax the first year; $400,000.00 adds $540 more tax; and if you own a $600,000 property, it will add another $810 to your tax bill.
Businesses could face $1,000 to $10,000 tax increases, and landlords will pass that cost on to renters.
While a pool may be on a buyers like/want list, employment opportunities, property prices, reasonable property taxes, and security of investment will likely be a higher priority.
Without industry, job creation and development, this area will continue to be depressed economically, and jacking up property taxes by 20-25 per cent to pay for a multi-million-dollar pool won’t help matters for property owners or for real estate markets.
People on fixed incomes already have enough problems maintaining their homes and a sense of independence without the CRD and District of 100 Mile House burdening them further with an outrageous property tax increase.
Larry Badke
100 Mile House