We got our notice from Saanich this week with our tax increase. It was supposed to be around 8 per cent, but for those living in the Royal Oak area, it is closer to 15.7 per cent. Part of this seems due to an unexplained increase in property values by BC Assessment of 6.5 per cent when other areas were closer to zero. Since I moved to Royal Oak in 2021, my property has had a gross property tax increase of 41 per cent, far exceeding the rate of inflation, or logic!
To add to the shock, Saanich has also vastly increased the cost of some services. For example, on the utility bill, the yearly fixed cost of having certain plumbing connections (water, sewer) has increased from $76 to $255, an increase of 236 per cent in one year. This ploy alone brings millions into the coffers, without having to call it a tax increase.
Enough is enough. Property owners are being treated as cash machines to be tapped whenever council feels the need. Renters cannot be immune either, as these increases need to be shared. And now council is trying to use the alternative approval process to borrow even more against future debt, and hence more tax increases. If you do not oppose the AAP, they will simply assume you approve. Time to say no!
Roel Hurkens
Saanich
