Trevor Miller
If the city wants an amicable agreement with area cottagers, that ship is in danger of sailing soon.
Cottagers are willing to put in something to support the city they benefit from living near, but holding the threat of annexation over people’s head comes across more like Russian diplomacy than a negotiation between equal parties.
I think the cottagers are offering a fair deal with their proposed $200 / $50 payments, which would more than cover the city’s shortfall from fire protection and other services.
City council should come back to the table with more realistic expectations and get a fair deal signed.
Trevor Miller is a local writer and essayist.
Doreen Murray
The fact is that you can run from taxes, but you cannot hide. I too lived at the lake (near Channing) and paid no municipal taxes. Then the city broadened its tax base and swallowed me up, as well as many others.
Had the city offered me the same deal as the cottagers now have on the table, and having the benefit of hindsight, I would have taken the deal and ran laughing all the way to the bank.
A pledge for no-annexation and a price tag of $650 for fire protection would be preferable to the alternative, believe me.
Doreen Murray is a semi-retired businesswoman.
Ken Mansell
If I had a cabin, I would have two main fears: a fire in my neighbourhood if I did not have fire insurance, and a visit from the tax assessor.
Annexation by Flin Flon would guarantee continual badgering from assessors. Flin Flonners are constantly monitored for any improvements to their property. How many years ago was cottage country assessed for true market value?
Looks like there will not be an agreement and the city will place the issue before the province. Cabin residents will be paying a lot more than $650 if they become part of our municipality. Higher taxes will also make your property harder to sell.
Ken Mansell is a retired Flin Flonner.
