Saanich uninterested in tax increases

Last week, I received my property-tax notice from Saanich. Properties in Saanich saw an average 3.53 per cent tax increase. Mine went up 15 per cent. Curious (OK, annoyed), I reviewed the increases in Saanich property taxes over time.

What did I find? Over the past 15 years, my Saanich property taxes increased by 76 per cent. Capital Regional District taxes increased by 72 per cent. Over this same period, the cost of living in Greater Victoria increased by about 20 per cent (StatCan). And average incomes in Greater Victoria increased by about 36 per cent (StatCan).

So Saanich taxes increased about four times more than the cost of living. And twice the average income. CRD taxes compare similarly.

Thinking this kind of information was readily available, I asked Saanich for a simple list of increases in average property taxes over time. Surprisingly, I was told this information didn’t exist, but would have to be compiled.

When I made a similar request to the CRD, I was also told it didn’t exist, and I would need to make a freedom-of-information request. It appears that our municipal officials are blissfully uninterested in this topic. And perhaps prefer that we were, as well.

In the meantime, the Saanich Vision promotes sustainability: “Saanich is a sustainable community where a healthy natural environment is recognized as paramount for ensuring social well-being and economic vibrancy, for current and future generations.”

I suggest sustainable taxation be added to the vision.

Stephen Hill Saanich