Saanich council cannot stay out of my wallet. They have increased my home taxes by $1,000 in the last four years, not including all the increases to my water, sewar, garbage and compost bill.
Now council figures the municipality should be able to circumvent the budget and do a massive borrow to revamp the Saanich Operations Centre. Mayor Dean Murdock states, "We all deserve a facility that meets today's demands, but also reflects the pride we have in our neighbourhood. This isn't just an infrastructure project – it's about enhancing the daily lives of Saanich residents."
Oh please, I've paid home taxes to Saanich for 45 years and all I have seen is dying road infrastructure, potholes and rough pavement everywhere, endless delays, lanes taken away and replaced by unused bike lanes (making my driving experience stressful throughout Saanich).
Our mayor continues with his rhetoric: "This project is going to align with our 2050 net zero goals, boosting climate resilience," etc. What does net zero have to do with the SOC unless it's about more expensive climate mitigation infrastructure that Saanich residents can't afford.
So while the council basks in the joys of fighting climate change, homeowners (many many of us seniors on fixed incomes) are paying for this folly. If council cannot stay within its budget, it should not be able to do a special borrowing of over $100 million for the SOC. Why is there even a loophole for council to do this? A woke entitled council making seniors pay.
And where are the residents of Saanich? Speak up.
Brian Masuch
Saanich
