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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1990-09-12, Page 13• Lot levies disliked BY MONA IRWIN Legislation pied last w UUCI is gds being carefully atruunlzed by boards of education acxotis the province. TMs *Wawa, known as the Develop soot Charges Act or u Bill 20, pro schuol boards the right to enact bylaws for 'lot levies' on new subdivisions. "For imample, tilt Huron County Board of Education (HCBE) could say 'OK, we want 'X' number of dollars from each new subdivision to be used towards schcwls," said Bob Allan, director of education far the county. The necessary bylaws, which Include a municipal development bylaw and an educational development bylaw, would then be passed. Part of the reason for school boards' hesitation in taking advantage of the bill may be the reaction of the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA), which has promised to launch a court challenge as soon as a board of education attempts to put the legislation into operation. Copies of the OHBA's letters to school board officials and Ontario Premier David Peterson were included in the agenda for the HCBE's meeting held last Tuesday (Sept. 4). The Development Charges Act allows municipalities and schools boards to either work together or independently in putting the lot levies in place, said Allan. Money from the lot levies can be used only for growth and expansion, not for renovations or upgrading. MONEY SHARED "However, the public school board and separate school board (in a municipality) can't set up two separate lot levies," he said. "It's expected that both will work in concert." Also, monies collected from lot levies cannot be held only for one school board, but must be shared between public and separate boards as the need arises. John Mansfield, president of the OHBA, emphasized that the challenge would not be a lawsuit. "We're not suing anybody, not the Ontario government and certainly not any municipality," Mansfield said in a telephone interview. "It would just be an application to the courts to have Bill 20 deemed unconstitutional." Legal advisors suggested the OHBA wait for a board of education to put the necessary educational levy bylaws into place before launching the challenge because "we'd be going to the courts saying 'This (bill) doesn't work, and the counter argument would be 'Well, how do you know it doesn't work?" said Mansfield. SEVERAL REASONS The OHBA has several reasons for opposing the bill, Mansfield said. Among them are: "But d1erT's DO pruvi310n 10 do this under die ��Development Charges Act." Mansfield said. • Because the lot levies wiU only be unposed on now dwellings, some people in a neighborhood may be taxed whip others will nut be, Mansfield said. This is unlike provincial school taxes, which are levied against all residents according to the cilli rate. "Let's say you're raring, and you want to trove to Goderich and buy a (newly -built) condo on the lake," he said. "You'd have to pay a let levy, even though you have little or uul o urnuon ofutilizing the school." On the other hand, if a family with children buys ar rents a house or aparunent in an older building, they will be exempt from the lot levy because the building isn't a new one. He added that the let levy would also affect the rent on new apartment buildings. MARKET AFFECTED There is also no doubt that lex levies would affect the housing market, said Mansfield. "Economists will tell you that each time you have a significant increase in price, be it the result of a tax or whatever, it will have a significant effect on the market," he said. "And right now the market is extremely price -sensitive. Lot levies won't put the industry into a tailspin, but they will affect people wanting to buy homes, especially first-time buyers." Allan said he could not comment on the OHBA's arguments at this time. "Obviously those are the points they're prepared to put before the court, and the government Will put its argument forward," he said. "1 don't want to play judge without hearing both sides." 'tThe larger growth areas, such as Mississauga, are waiting with baited breath so they can get enough funding to provide schools." But "all the wrinkles" weren't out of the legislation until recently. "The bill called for certain regulations to be made and forms to be developed. The regulations are now in place and the Last of the forms was produced and approved about a month ago," Allan said. • It constitutes indirect taxation because the levy is actually paid by the builder, and "like the (cost of) bricks and plywood, it becomes included in the price of the house," Mansfield said, and indirect taxation is contrary to Sections 91-92 of the Constitution Act. "Only the federal government has the right to impose indirect taxes," he said. "Provinces and municipalities can only impose direct taxes." • It contravenes denominational school rights, which are also protected by the Constitution Act, because every taxpayer in Canada has the right to direct his or her school taxes to support either the public or separate school board. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, SEPTEMBER 12 1990 3 MORE CAUTIOUS The HCBE has become "that much more cautious" because of the possibility of a court challenge, he added. "I brought a report before the board a few months ago, and they want me to report back again in another few months," he said. Bill 20 was the province's attempt to make up for its own cutback in educational funding, because it would allow school boards to supplement the lower provincial funding, Allan said. "Huron County used to get 70 per cent funding for a new school. Now we get 60 per cent." That may not sound like a large drop, but "let's say the board needs a new school or an expansion on a school. First we have to apply for the right to build, and that's not an easy process in itself. Then, if we do get approval, we'll get it at the lower percentage rate." So if the amount needed is $1 million, the cut in funding means the HCBE would only get $600,000 instead of $700,000. It would have to raise $100,000 more than under the previous funding arrangement, said Allan. Mansfield added that the OHBA was pleased with the sweeping victory of the New Democratic Party in the recent provincial election, because "they've indicated that they don't regard lot levies as the best way to finance education," he said. 24 4-H PROJECTS MASTERED - Nick Geleynse of the Clinton OMAF office presents Lorne Glanville of Winthrop with a limited edition portrait by Canadian artist Peter Ertil Syndek. Lorne recently completed her 24th 4-H project, her last club being the wildlife and environment project. Lorrie also spent a day at the Hullett Wildlife Conservation Area, helping to de -beak pheasants, and narrated a slide presentation on the procedure at 4-H Achievement Night. Submitted photo Tory faithfuls were in Seaforth on election night with candidate Ken Campbell From left, Don Alton of Lucknow, Ken Campbell and Don Martin of Ethel, consoled each other on the Conservative less. (Shelley McPhee Haist photo) PITCH -IN AND RECYCLE! The Sept. 16 ART SHOW at the S.D.H.S. has been cancelled due to cir- cumstances beyond our control. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Seaforth High School Students Council Veal's Meat Market and Abattoir �, Would like to treat our valued customer to a sausage and pancake breakfast This Saturday Sept. 15th 8 a.m. - 12 noon The Veal family thanks you tor your suppon over the past 10 years We have certainly enjoyed serving you and look forward to continuing the tradition tor many more years Coffee and juice served with the meal Please come and enjoy some tun Picnic tables provided Ross and Pat Veal Mike and Cathy Veai (Weather Permitting) It: Freezer Specials Side 68of Beef b. Loin �09 of Beef lb. Hind of Beef Ib. Whole Co or Half Pig9111;Ib. Fronts of Beef 49 Ib. Whole 95 Pork Loin lb. \7EAISS XU1Y MEATS Hwy. 83 - 3 1/2 miles east of Exeter Phone 235-1123 Vanastra Recreation Centre R.R. 45 CLINTON, ONTARIO NOM 1L0 F•A•L•L P ROGRAM STARTS SEPTEMBER 24 to DECEMBER 2, 1990 YOU I H AQUATIC RED CROSS WATER SAFETY FEE: *30.00/10 Weeks YELLOW Tues. 5:00 - 5:30 pm Tues. or Thurs. 6:00 - 6:30 pm Sat. 2:30 - 3:00 pm ORANGE Tues. 5:30 - 6:00 pm Thurs 6:30 - 7:00 pm Sat. 2:00 - 2:30 pm RED Tues. 6:30 - 7:00 pm Thurs. 5:30 - 6:00 pm Sat. 1:30 - 2:00 pm MAROON Tues. or Thurs. 5:00 - 5:30 pm Sat. 1:00 - 1:30 pm SURVIVAL Tues. 5:30 - 6:00 pm Sat. 1:00 - 1:30 pm BLUE Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm Sat 2:00-2:30 pm GREEN Tues 6:30 - 7:00 pm Sat 1:30-2:00 pm GREY & WHITE Tues. Only 7'00 7 45 pm I'KL -SCHOOL AQUA TIC MOMS & DADS loam to teach your child to swim in a structured program: to enter water without hesitation, to be able to put head under water, blow bubbles. feel comfortable with floats FEE 130 00/10 Weeks PARENT & TOT (up to 2 yrs.) Mon 630 7-00 pm Fri 10.00 - 10:30 GUPPIES d PARENT (2-4 yrs ) Mon 6.30 - 700 pm r 410 1100 - 1130 pm KINDERGVMSWIM (3-5 yrs ) FEE. *3.00/10 Weeks tti hr GVM, rtr hr POOL Fri. 1000 - 1100 AQUA AEROBICS FEE: 130.00/10 Weeks (Water exercise to music) Wed. 10:00 - 10:45 am Thurs. 7:00 - 7:45 pm "A Fun Way To Exercise To Music FITNESS CLASS ONLY (Gym) FEE: *40.00/10 Weeks Mon. 7:30 - 8:30 pm Thurs. 8:00 - 9:00 pm FITNESS CLASS PLUS POOL FEE *4700/10 Weeks Swim after above classes on Mon 830-930 pm Thurs 900 930 pm ESSO SWIM CANADA FEE 534.00/10 Weeks Mon 5:00 - 6:00 pm Competitive Swim Training Improve on starts, strokes and turns. build up on your endurance ARTHRITIC EXERCISE FEE: *30.00/10 Weeks Fri 1130 am - 12 noon Exercise in the comfort of warm water in the shallow end for arthritic or injury aches & pains • HALL RENTALS AVAILABLE LADIES AQUA TIC FEE *30 00/10 Weeks Monday Mornings Only Aquaflt 9:30 - 10:00 am Advanced 10:00 - 10:30 am Beginner 2 10:30 - 11:00 am Beginner 1 11:00 - 11:30 em Non -Swimmer 11.30 - 12.00 pm ADUL I SWIM TIMES Mon., Wed & Fri. 12:00 - 1:00 pm 8:00-9:00 pm Wed. VI'1=N SWIM IIMLS Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. 8:30 - 9:30 pm 8:30 - 9:30 pm 6.:00- 7:30 pm 8:30 - 9:30 pm Friday -Fun Night 7:00 - 8:00 pm Sat. 3:00 - 4:30 pm Sun. 3:00 - 4:30 pm FAMILY SWIM ONLY Sun. 2:00 - 3.00 pm ADMISSIONS POOL Child (up to 12 yrs ) Student (13-17 yrs.) Adult (incl. sauna) Family Senior Citizens SAUNA FITNESS $1 00 225 3.25 7.50 2.25 2.50 3.25 (includes sauna - must be 16 yrs old or accompanied with an adult) 1 UESDA Y NIGHT SPECIAL For only $3.25 use the Fitness Room from 7:30 - 9:30 p. m. and pool from 830 - 9.30 p.m. Must be 16 years of age and over POOL RENTALS For Birthdays. Groups, etc Fryoy a swim in our temperature controlled pool FREE uqa of sauna with rental CO-ED AQUA TICS ADULT/TEENS CLASSES FEE: *30.00/10 Weeks NON -SWIMMER TuAs 8-00 - 8:30 pm BEGINNER 1 d 2 Thurs 730 - 8:00 pm MEMBERSHIPS POOL or FITNESS ROOM PLUS SAUNA YRL Y 3 MTHS 161.00 *23 00 Child (pool only) Student 85.00 Adult 105.00 Family 225.00 40.00 50.00 90.00 Senior Citizens - Adult rate less 10% - same both yearly & quarterly ADVANCED LEADERSHIP R.L S.S BRONZE MEDALLION FEE *77 00/10 Weeks Mon 7:00 - 8:30 pm (includes material and exam fee). Must be 13 yrs to take the test) RED CROSS LEADERS FEE: *88.00/10 Weeks Wed pool 7:30 - 830 pm Lectures to follow. (Includes material and exam fee) Must be 15 years to take test FULL MEMBERSHIPS YRL Y 3 MTHS Student *123.00 *64 00 Adult 170 00 78.00 Family 364 00 135.00 Group Rate - Group Rates available for 5 or more people FULL MEMBERSHIP includes pool, sauna and fitness room Group rates available for 5 or more people DABBER BINGO Every Tuesday Night Early Bird starts at 730 p m Doors open at 630 p m - The management reserves the right to cancel any class due to lack of registration. - Refunds given only upon receipt of a medical certificate. - A $5.00 administration fee will be charged. PHONE TO REGISTER NOW . 482-3544 1