Dear editor,
On July 2, Premier Danny Williams announced $14 millions in spending to do fishery research in Newfoundland and Labrador – most everybody applauded the idea. Finally, this government is doing something for rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Three days after that announcement, I received a property assessment notice in the mail on waterfront property – in other words, wharf and stage – and next year I am going to be taxed an extra $50 by a council that is the most wasteful and has the highest taxes around.
This is property that is outside the high water mark and outside the town boundary. On one hand, Premier Williams is looking good for the investment in fishery research, which the jury is still out on as to whether this will provide any benefits for rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
On the other side, he is allowing his Department of Municipal Affairs to drive another nail into the coffin of our rural communities by allowing our wharfs and stages to be taxed.
After living on this island for 500 years, in 2011 we will be taxed on property that is in the ocean
What next, tax your boat if you tie up in the harbour? Tax your car if you drive through town?
Wharfs are very labour intensive and have to be replaced every 20 years and the towns do not provide any service for these properties.
Premier Williams, stop this madness – with a flick of the wrist, you can do this, prove to us you are sincere about rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Retired Capt. Wilfred Bartlett
Brighton
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