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And another article. This one shows exactly what kind of a sweetheart deal the islanders have. You really think those houses are only worth $90G?
What kind of corruption is going on here? Id like to know why the city is only charging them taxes on a value of only $90Gs? Shouldnt those houses be worth closer to a million based on the proprty alone???
Disgusting!
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Good life on the island
DOWNTOWN LIVING AT A FRACTION OF THE COST
By CHRISTINA BLIZZARD
The Docks nightclub goes to court this morning, fighting to get its liquor licence back.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) lifted the licence of the huge waterfront entertainment complex following noise complaints, mostly from residents of Toronto Island.
Earlier this week, I suggested the Islanders are just a bunch of killjoys who want to call all the shots on the waterfront. They nixed an airport. They don't want a bridge. They didn't want Wakefest. Heck, they're even complaining about a proposed power plant on the waterfront.
What is most surprising is how the powers that be kowtow to this loudmouth bunch of malcontents. Big time.
I have been swamped with e-mails and phone calls from readers who are steamed about the Islanders. A number of you wanted to know just how sweet the Islanders' deal is.
The land trust on the Island was set up by the former NDP government in 1993. Islanders were granted 99-year leases that at that time cost $36,000 on Ward's Island and $46,000 on Algonquin Island. Since then, the cost of the lease has gone up between $7,000 and $12,000. Basically, a cup of coffee a day got them the land.
According to the Toronto Island website, island houses are valued between $30,000 and $400,000, with the average range being between $100,000 and $160,000. Prices are regulated to avoid speculation.
So, here they are, well-heeled types -- who don't like to be called "squatters" -- living in a prime location in downtown Toronto. The Island trust maintains a 500-person waiting list (currently closed) of people wanting in on this deal.
That raises the question of property taxes. Everyone knows when it comes to property values, only three words count: Location, location, location. And these homes have a million-dollar view. Remember though, that it costs taxpayers big bucks to support this community, with firefighters, an ambulance, a paramedic, etc.
Yet these folks, living on some of the choicest land in the city, are paying some of the lowest property taxes in the GTA.
For example, one of the most vocal critics of the Docks, Freya Godard, lives in a home assessed at $90,000. Yep, you read that right. A pittance. And since 2001, while assessments have soared everywhere else, hers has gone up only $6,000.
Another vocal critic, Lynn Robinson, lives in a home assessed at $80,000. Carol Bigwood's home is assessed at $102,000 -- up only $6,000 since 2001.
By comparison, a small two-bedroom house in Scarborough was assessed at $321,000, up $110,000 since 2001. A home in West Hill was assessed at $452,000 -- up $113,000 since 2001. A modest home in the Upper Beach is assessed at $635,000 -- up $182,000 since 2001. Another average home in downtown Toronto is assessed at about $500,000 -- up $204,000 since 2001.
Assessments are soaring and seniors are selling their homes because they can't afford the taxes. But this privileged enclave on the Toronto Island is paying a pittance -- in some cases around $1,000 a year in property taxes. Go figure.
You'd think with this kind of a cushy deal, they would just shut up and count their blessings. But no. They got quite emotional in their testimony at the AGCO. Robinson said her partner developed a "severe noise phobia." Hey, one word: Earplugs.
I think I have a cure. If we can't just bulldoze the cottages, why don't we tow the Island into the middle of the lake? Islanders won't hear the noise from The Docks, and the rest of us can have a couple of drinks and not upset their cocoa. Best of all, we won't be able to hear them gripe.
So, here's to you, Mrs. Robinson. And a helpful hint to Islanders: The world looks a lot more fun through a glass or three of Bombay Sapphire and tonic. Enjoy. |
IF YOU HAVE NEVER VOTED IN A CITY ELECTION BEFORE I URGE YOU TO VOTE THIS NOVEMBER AGAINST MAYOR MILLOR AND THE OTHER SOCIALIST CRONIES THAT ARE TURNING THIS CITY INTO A FAILED SHELL OF ITS FORMER SELF
Lastman wasnt so bad after all was he?
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| quote: | Originally posted by jester
Everything in this country is illegal. |
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery…" Winston Churchill
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