Editor:
I completely agree with Don Rees’s letter in the Sept. 26 edition of the Outlook “Canmore vacant home tax program leaves many questions” regarding the Town of Canmore’s primary residency tax program.
The decision to tax residents based on how they use their own property feels misguided and divisive. As a full-time resident of Canmore, I have invested in this community with the expectation of enjoying my home and the lifestyle it offers as I should so choose.
The proposed requirement for a homeowner to occupy a dwelling for at least 180 cumulative days in a year – 60 of which must be consecutive – seems absurd and overly intrusive. The way someone uses their home is ultimately up to them and should not be subject to a municipal policy. Taxing individuals based on their residency status undermines the very foundation of property rights. To impose such a restrictive definition of residency is not only unrealistic but also harmful to the community spirit we cherish.
Moreover, the implications of this program go beyond simple taxation – it fosters an us vs. them mentality that is counterproductive. Rather than uniting our community in addressing housing challenges, it creates division among residents based on their living arrangements. Such measures reflect an ideology rooted in a resentful envy, where the prosperity of some is viewed with disdain by those in power, rather than fostering an inclusive community that celebrates the diverse ways people choose to live in Canmore.
I urge Town council to reconsider this program. We should strive for solutions that bring our community together rather than tear it apart. Let’s find a way to address housing affordability without penalizing those of us who have made Canmore our home.
I agree with the sentiment that the way someone uses their home is ultimately up to them and should never be subject to a municipal policy.
Jim Pyecroft,
Canmore