If hard-pressed taxpayers are wondering why spending, taxes and fees are out of control in Saanich, go no further than last week’s News article, “Green up your ’hood” (Feb. 28).
Properties are worth many hundreds of thousands of dollars and residents expect Saanich to foot the bill to plant trees on their properties. But not to worry regarding the expense, since the program is funded primarily by B.C. Hydro. (Little wonder B.C. Hydro rates are skyrocketing.)
Rather than finding ways to increase out-of- control spending and the ever-increasing tax burden on Saanich residents, is it too much to ask this “green” council to give homeowners a break, and attempt to reduce spending? And let community associations stop asking for more so-called free rides, such as tree planting, given the scenario that there is only one taxpayer to deal with all levels of government, various provincial Crown Corporations and the Capital Regional District.
The next time Saanich residents receive and note the increases in their property taxes and fees, they should give some thought to the “Green up your ’hood” program. We are all paying the bill.
HJ Rice
Saanich