TIME TO AXE THE CAP

It was quite something to see the quick turnaround on the non-resident property tax debacle here in Nova Scotia.

Hopefully, this has shown the current system is inadequate and unfair by pitting neighbour against neighbour.

There are so many examples of the inequality of cap assessments on properties that may be side-by-side and identical, yet with one paying $2,000 in taxes and the other over $5,000 in taxes.

First, remove the cap and create a system that reflects true market value, which would allow the government to lower its mill rate to meet its required tax requirement.

Look at British Columbia as an example on how seniors 60-plus can defer taxes until there is a change on title on their property, allowing them to stay in their homes without concern to make ends meet.

B.C. also gives a property owner a grant on their primary residences and not their recreational properties.

It’s time to take a look at many other examples across the country and get this system fixed before it implodes.

Eric LeBlanc, Upper Granville