On Friday, I spent the day in the snow! It was odd that Thursday was so warm and sunny and then Friday turned cold and wintery. I just wanted to put on a cozy fire and stay home, but with just three days left before the election I hit the streets instead. First, I visited the Bethany. Then I spent the rest of the day visiting people in the Villas. There is a story to be told there, but not on this blog. Generally, the people in the Villas are very supportive.
The pathways and weed issues are prevalent in that area, and the Town has done little if anything to control thistles and maintain a pathway system that connects the Villas to the golf course pathway system. I told people that CEAC does engage in weed pulls on a regular basis and that we currently have two CWY participants who are available for weed control. I know that this issue can be easily addressed given the new Weed Control Act. I would like to ensure that the Town has a stand alone weed control bylaw in place to help with this problem. Many invasive species can be controlled by hand pulling, so pesticides may not be required unless the weed infestation is out of control. There is one species that is out of control all along Highway 1A up the big hill, and as it was not dealt with this year will be worse next year. I hope to be able to work on those weeds next spring.
Like many people in other parts of Cochrane, people in Gleneagles really want the Town to lead by example and control weeds on public lands.
The issue of bareland condominium property taxes was raised loud and clear. People feel that if their condo property is not hooked up to and receiving similar services as other lots that they should not have to pay so much property taxes because they ahve to pay their own road clearance, park maintenance, sewer and water line upkeep, etc. I would like to look into this problem. There are 181 units in the Villas, and all pay significant property taxes. That is quite a bit of money collected by the Town for municipal purposes. They also pay the same water, sewer and other service distribution utility fees. In addition, their condo fees and maintenance fees are excessive. This is just to live in their homes. No-one explained the total impact of fees and taxes to many of these residents when the properties were purchased. I wonder why not?Perhaps it is time to reconsider the impact of all these fees and taxation policies on bareland condominium properties. Perhaps it is time to reconsider whether development of bareland condominium properties ought to be encouraged within our community. Just a thought. What do others think?
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