Fair is never entirely fair.
The process of finding a fair and equitable means for taxing recreation across the Cowichan Valley Regional District has never worked out well in the past and doesn’t appear to be any further ahead at this point, especially for Chemainus, Crofton and Saltair residents.
There are still clear divisions within North Cowichan. Chemainus and Crofton are like a separate entity in many ways within the same municipality as other residents.
For example, North Cowichan is recommending a ‘yes’ vote on the referendum to accompany the Oct. 15 election pertaining to regional recreation funding. And, yet, this will be at the expense of Chemainus and Crofton residents who will be faced with a property tax increase of $113.34 (over time) based on an average home value of around $660,000.
The rest of the municipality’s residents will realize a significant savings of $714,000 per year or about $108.32 for the same average home value if the funding plan is approved. Fair and equitable? Hardly.
The situation for the 946 households in Saltair is just as bad. There’s not enough space here to get into the lengthy details of what’s happening. Suffice it to say taxes will increase by $1.1954 per $1,000 of net taxable of land and improvements or on a property assessed at $1 million, the tax increase will be $1,200. Given the average age of Saltair residents is 60 and most are on pensions, this doesn’t seem sustainable.
Residents would be wise to check into the facts before voting for something that could literally prove costly.
As for the municipal election itself, there are significant issues pertaining to Chemainus and Crofton that may certainly influence voters. The Chemainus Revitalization project, for one, has been on the books 11 years and phases of it still aren’t done, especially a sea walk to rival Crofton’s that will provide access to the scenic beauty of the waterfront.
The Benchlands remains unresolved with Western Forest Products. There’s so much potential to make it special.
Chemainus and Crofton just may hold the key to the election, as is often the case, but voter turnout is imperative. Saltair will have a choice of incumbent Lynne Smith or Jesse McClinton.