Ontario paying property taxes to Haldimand at higher rate than vacant property should be charged Ontario has spent $1.6 million in taxpayers money since 2007 on the former Douglas Creek Estates, now known as Kanonhstaton, Six Nations unceded lands adjacent to the town of Caledonia in southern Ontario, with the majority of that going to pay the county property taxes based on a rate that would be charged to a completed subdivision. Ontario spent from a low of $8,400 to $123,000 in property taxes last year. In addition Ontario has paid $34,000 in maintenance and management fees for soil erosion and grass cutting and upkeep on the property and $90,000 so far this year. The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Ministry of Infrastructure have not returned calls asking about the costs and why the province is paying property rates assessed as if it was a completed subdivision instead of vacant land. Minister Brad Duguid said the costs reflect a greater benefit. “The benefit is greater than the cost,” he said. “It has not been a huge cost over all but the alternative would have been to allow the battle to continue many years ago and lives may have been lost. That is a small price to pay to build harmony in the community and safety. “ He said the problem is the federal government “is dragging its feet on the land claim.” The subdivision was bought out by Ontario, with federal dollars and remains vacant. Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy have placed the property in their land registry and have been maintaining the property since 2006.-Turtle Island News- L
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:27:00 +0000