Dear Editor,
I recently received an email from the Town of Okotoks to advise me my property taxes are due July 1 and what they now expect me to pay.
I had been paying $335.59 per month. Now they want a monthly payment of $470.07, a huge increase of 40 per cent or another $134.48 per month. This is for my half-duplex, which is now 21 years old. Where will I find this extra money?
I am an original Albertan, educated and worked for 40-plus years in Calgary. As a single parent, I paid for both of my kids to be educated at the University of Calgary. Then 22 years ago, I retired and moved to Okotoks.
As an 82-year-old senior, I live on my pension paid through my 40 years of work. Yes, everything has gone up, food, utilities, gas, etc., but 40 per cent?
In September 2002, the population was 11,000 and there was to be a cap of only 20,000 due to water concerns. What happened? We are now over 30,000 at last count.
Meantime, Okotoks council is still handing out building permits. Where is the water coming from?
Have you driven past the D’Arcy Ranch area lately? There are many condo buildings being constructed, each four storeys and looking like 10 to 20 units per floor. How many more people will be joining us here in waterless Okotoks?
When is the next municipal election? Soon, I hope.
J. Anderson
Okotoks
