I am writing about the very complicated rules and regulations that we have in the City of Duncan and the outlying districts.
Are they set up to complicate us and distract us so much, that in doing so, passing the buck is what they do best?
We cannot be alone in our confusion. Who takes care of what? As an Area E taxpayer, we pay both to the city of Duncan and CVRD. If you have any questions in regards to bylaws and enforcement, we are told that our answers lie either with the city, CVRD or the local RCMP. Each office will send you to the next.
A year has passed and each time we try and resolve issues, we are just passed along, and nothing ever changes.
We have had ongoing issues with a house that is rented next door to us.
The landlord does not live on this property or maintain it. Drugs blow over our property, family and visitors all day long to the point that no one can sit outside.
After blowing these drugs, these same people get into their cars and drive in and out all day long, putting everyone on the road at risk. A licence to use does not allow you to drive your vehicle.
Ask any one of these three institutions what can be done and the answer is always the same and that is: nothing. In other provinces, if a landlord does not reside on his property then that property is classed and taxed as a business. It is the responsibility of the landlord to maintain his property, otherwise he is subject to fines. Not according the CVRD. They have no right to ask the landlord to cut his grass and he is not subject to inspections.
If this is the case, then what are we paying our taxes for? Who then takes care of this property? Who takes care of us? Things need to be simplified and we need to unite in our tax jurisdiction. One tax office and one set of rules. This is just nuts.
Mary-Jane Bateman
Duncan