January 2008 - page 1

Message from the President

We here in Muskoka, have enjoyed and are continuing to enjoy a wonderful, white winter. Our roads and firelds, and rocks and lakes are covered with soft white snow. The township roads are well plowed and the scenery is awesome. Come and visit, come and stay a while, life is wonderous.

Madeline Fielding, Muskoka Ratepayers' President

Happy New Year from the Ratepayers' Association

Our association draws its membership and board from all of Muskoka — permanent and seasonal residents, from its towns, rural areas, and waterfront.

Many of you see Muskoka only during the summer months, but those most fortunate either live in the district permanently, or are able to spend time there during the other three seasons. I personally became aware of this when we re-built our summer cottage several years ago, and I came up regularly from Labour Day through the May weekend during its construction — it was a real eye opener, and we now spend much time year round in Muskoka.

Your Association is very active during this time with monthly board and committee meetings. Board members attend all township Council and Committee of Adjustment meetings, and let us know what is going on through the Muskokan, our newsletter, the web site, and email. Winter is am incredible season in Muskoka — take some time to enjoy its incredible surroundings.

Peter Long, Muskoka Ratepayers' Vice President

Update from WRAFT/CAPTR — January, 2008

The provincial election last fall has now become a distant memory, and election results woes and wounds have no currency. WRAFT/CAPTR's best efforts at promoting tax reform and an answer to assessment volatility fell largely on Liberal deaf ears, and our thoroughly researched idea of assessment capping failed to gain traction with the electorate and the media, blindsided as they were by the focus on the issue of public funding of faith based schools.

It would have been easy, perhaps even understandable if WRAFT/CAPTR had decided to pack it in. We had afterall, lobbied hard and effectively over the last two years, and had been largely responsible for the Government's albeit inadequate response of a two year freeze on assessment increases with four year phase-in and their adoption of almost all of the recommendations of the provincially appointed Ombudsman's scathing report on MPAC methodology and fairness.

But, armed as we are with dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers under the able leadership of Bob Topp, and unspent funds raised from our supporters, the Executive of WRAFT/CAPTR has decided to carry on, keeping the pressure on the government through correspondence and meetings with the new Finance Minister Duncan and his staff, and a publicity programme alerting all property owners to be prepared for the devastating impact of property reassessments in 2008 which will be reflected in their 2009 taxation levels.

Representing as we do over 1,000,000 potential voters, we will continue to keep this Government's "feet to the fire" and focused on meaningful and substantial tax reform which will address issues of volatility and fairness for the beleaguered property owner.

J.D. Bryden, WRAFT Director, Ratepayers' Director

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