Skip to content

'No' to regressive taxes

I believe there is a better taxation solution to build these projects.

Editor:

While the "Yes" side proposes a regressive sales tax in the upcoming transit referendum to fund new public transit projects, I believe there is a better taxation solution to build these projects.

Condo-king realtor Bob Rennie once quipped, "Whereas real estate demand is usually about location, location, location, in Vancouver it's transportation, transportation, transportation."

In Vancouver, transit has a significant effect in the value of your home; residences closer to transit routes are in higher demand than those situated away from them, which is why I believe a property tax that takes into consideration the value gained in your home that is dependent on its proximity to transit should be the correct method to fund new projects.

Whereas a sales tax will hurt businesses in the region and thus consumers will either shop less or simply drive to the United States or Abbotsford, but a property tax cannot be avoided. Those who choose to move away from the region in protest of such a tax become one less household in need of transit.

I highly doubt those inclined to vote "No" in the upcoming transit referendum are against expanding public transit, I believe they're against regressive and faulty forms of taxation.

Peter Lenko, Langley