Clearing Up a Major Misunderstanding About Seniors and Property Taxes

Thank you for signing this petition, your support makes a difference and shows that people are paying attention, including those who oppose it. I recently communicated (social media) with someone who doesn’t believe seniors are being affected by rising property taxes, or that some could eventually be pushed out of their homes as the cost of living climbs. Their response was: “Seniors are not selling homes due to property taxes,” and they sent me the link to the BC Gov. deferment program.

That kind of confidence, and misunderstanding, shows how easily seniors and people on fixed incomes get written off in this discussion.

A few facts:

There is a documented BC case where a senior lost her home over unpaid property taxes, the Penticton case reviewed by the Ombudsperson.
Only a small share of seniors actually use deferment, and many can’t: renters, seniors in care, those in co-ops, on leased land, or with title issues.
Most seniors still feel tax increases anyway, through higher rent, strata fees, independent living-home costs, or even pad rents.

Deferment just delays one part of the bill.

Sooke, this year, an older gentleman came before council clearly overwhelmed by rising taxes. Council did their best to help, but the moment showed how close to the edge many seniors already are.

And on Nov. 24, Sooke resident Veronica Pemberton told council plainly:
“We’re concerned about expenses… We can’t afford more tax increases… It’s a heavy onus on 6,000 families… It’s not compassion to raise taxes with other people’s money.”

Her words reflect what many families, seniors, and fixed-income residents are feeling right now.

One documented case proves it can happen, and if it happened once, it’s fair to think others never made the news.

Thank you for standing up for affordability and fairness for everyone in our community.  Please be sure to share this petition with thanks.