Haley Bateman says current system is not working, local taxpayers over burdened
A Niagara regional councillor is asking the provincial government, led by Premier Ford, to create a new deal for municipalities, and better support for communities.
Haley Bateman writes cities are dealing with big issues like homelessness, mental health, housing, and aging roads and sewers, which are excessively funded by property taxes, and that is not working.
She further points out the province is making a fortune off Niagara, but doing little to mitigate costs for residents.
Before moving further with amalgamation talk, she wants a fair and balanced deal with the province, as right now municipalities carry costs that should not be theirs.
She wants the provincial government to address the imbalance in responsibilities and funding.
The councillor adds tourism draws in about 14-million visitors a year, who heavily use police, fire, ambulance, roads and water, but those are paid by local taxpayers.
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