Dear Editor,
This election has been an eye-opener for me. I discovered that the Department of National Defence (DND) does not pay taxes but makes “payments in lieu of taxes.” Although the Meaford tank range falls under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Meaford, they are privileged when paying property taxes.
In an article published July 2, 2021, in the Meaford Independent, the city of Meaford fights to receive payments in lieu of taxes from the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre. “Since 2013, Meaford has made appeals to the Payment In Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel relating to underpaid taxes from 2013 to 2020 through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) annual request for tax payment at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.” https://themeafordindependent.ca/meaford-receives-1-6-million-in-tank-range-pilt-settlement/
This year my property tax bill went up more than $200, and I must pay it. I can’t negotiate it, nor can anyone who owns property in the municipality of Meaford.
The proposed TC Energy Pump Storage Project (PSP) will be on DND lands. I am unsure whether the developer charges or property taxes customarily levied by the municipality of Meaford will apply to TC Energy since they will be located on Federal Lands. Will TC Energy be privileged and not held to the same rules as other developers and property owners residing under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Meaford? Will TC Energy have special privileges regarding shouldering costs and adhering to municipal bylaws?
Many Engineers reported that the construction of the Pumped Storage project would create air and water pollution far more than any construction project experienced in Meaford history. Yet, the outgoing council did not take any action to protect its citizens from the massive construction activities that will pollute the air and water and affect roads and other municipal infrastructure, usually funded by developer charges and property taxes.
The next mayor and council should not maintain the status quo but be proactive and take measures through its bylaws to stop potential air and water pollution. The council needs to engage in the process and negotiate as an unwilling host until:
- environmental studies are public and peer-reviewed,
- plant designs are finalized and revealed,
- meets the Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulations (SFDR), and
- monetary compensation for Meaford is substantial and in writing.
Regards,
Pat Zita, Meaford
