PelhamToday received the following letter from James Foster on provincial growth mandates.
In response to the suggestion of the provincial mandate for growth, the proposed cost factors shortfall is of concern to myself and others on fixed incomes.
This reason is exacerbated by the mention of cost recovery mentioned with a potential shortfall. This shortfall as mentioned could be negatively affected by rebates.
Further to this concern as we have seen in increased cost of wastewater treatment as well the cost of production of clean water from the region lately, these costs will only increase with new growth. Of course, this cost will be passed along to taxpayers.
For those of us on a fixed income, we would hate to be taxed out of our homes. Increased property taxes will inevitably happen with this proposed population growth.
As this mandate is being forced on the Township of Pelham as well others, my feeling is like all business proposals, if the government wants this to happen, the full costs should come from those standing to gain the most.
No business person would willingly expand their business knowing this expansion would ultimately fall short of return on investment.
Developers are wringing their hands looking for profits. Let's have those who profit the most foot the bill and stop passing added costs to the locals, who are seen as cash cows to bale out those making a profit at our expense.
James Foster
