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Government Affairs
The Big Rideau Lake Association monitors local, provincial and federal government activities, and represents lake interests where appropriate.
If you have a concern, please contact us.
BRLA joins WRAFT (Waterfront Ratepayers After Fair Taxation)
BRLA has joined a new Ontario coalition of waterfront associations to fight an increasing shift of municipal taxes onto waterfront properties.
The Waterfront Residents After Fair Taxation (WRAFT) coalition brings together cottage and other resident waterfront associations from across Ontario to achieve equity in waterfront property taxation. Its efforts are strongly supported by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA), representing over 550 cottage associations.
WRAFT works to:
- Halt any unfair shift of tax onto the waterfront
- Find ways to mitigate rising property taxes
- Fight for reform in the way property taxes are allocated
Ontario waterfront residents have seen substantial changes in assessed property value. Some property owners have seen double digit increases in their assessment, spurring large hikes in the property taxes they pay. Those tax hikes pay for municipal and other services. Is it fair that waterfront residents should pay the largest share of taxes to receive the same amount of service, or less? Action is needed to restore fairness and equality in property assessment and taxation - on the waterfront.
WRAFT has a team of experienced property tax reform advocates who will recommend specific mitigation strategies to the province, and work to persuade the Ontario government to restore fairness in property taxation. We will keep you informed of WRAFT’s work. You can also find more details on their web site at http://www.wraft.com
Send your comments about this issue to BRLA. Email GovtAffairs@brla.on.ca.
You can also use the WRAFT tool on-line to email your provincial Member of Parliament about this issue.
YOUR COMMENTS NEEDED:
Parks Canada Draft Policies for In-Water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities
Members of the BRLA are strongly urged to review the new Draft Policies issued by Parks Canada for works around the shoreline and in the water of the canal system, including Big Rideau Lake, now available at http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/r/rideau-trent/index_e.asp
These guidelines will affect "installation, repairs & replacements and annual or sporadic maintenance" of
- Docks and Boatlifts
- Boathouses & boat ports
- Dredging including the removal or relocation of logs, stumps or rocks
- Shoreline stabilization
- Beach creation
- In-land Boatslips, and Mooring Basins
- Launch Ramps
- Marine Railways
- Waterlines
- Mooring Buoys, Swimming Buoys, Swimming Rafts, and water ski Courses and Ramps"
(list from http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/r/rideau-trent/sec2/index_e.asp)
Send your comments to Parks Canada: Email Rideau.consultations@pc.gc.ca
Send a copy of your comments to BRLA Government Affairs: Email GovtAffairs@brla.on.ca
Review BRLA's Comments.
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