I just wanted to make some comments on the same issue. Some of the communities in my riding are in the same situation. They are seeing increases in their assessment for up to 300 to 400 percent. I had a call from one of my constituents voicing concern over this. They are very worried that it is going to result in an increase in the taxes.
When he bought his property, it was worth a little over $2,500 and the last assessment prior to this one was assessed at $4,000. There have been no improvements to his property. His house is the same one. Now, he is being assessed at over $24,000.
He does not see why. When I asked the question in question period, I was told the assessment was based on improvements to the property, improvements to the house. In this case, there were none. He is still seeing an increase in the assessment, which will result in increased taxes.
I wanted to ask the Minister what is the assessment based on? I understand in some other communities, the taxes are based using other southern cities or towns as a base. Can you explain to me what is used as a base to base the value of the property on? I cannot see the value of property in the community of Enterprise, for instance, being worth $50,000 or $60,000, when ten years ago they were selling for $2,000. How do you justify it?
I have heard you say improvements to the property and the house, but in this case, this example that I have used, there were no improvements at all. I have to think there were other things built into this assessment. Thank you.