Archive for August, 2010

Taken from the Welland Tribune:

Niagara could do more to attract industry and boost the economy if its industrial tax rates were lower, say St. Catharines councillors, calling on Niagara Region and the province to give businesses a break.

A report from David Oakes, the city’s economic development officer, says industrial businesses in St. Catharines and other Niagara municipalities pay more property tax than their counterparts in other areas.

The 2009 industrial tax rate in St. Catharines was 6%, compared to 4.8% in the rest of the province on average.

In cities with “red hot economies,” such as Kitchener and Barrie, the tax rates are even lower, said St. Andrew’s Coun. Andrew Gill, who asked for the report.

He said he wants Niagara to take a serious look at making industry more competitive by reducing the tax ratios for industry, and by asking the province to do the same for education taxes.

Councillors endorsed Gill’s motion at a recent St. Catharines council meeting.

Read the full article on the Welland Tribune website:
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2699625

The Federal Government has recently announced that it was scrapping the mandatory long-form census.  The decision would make Canada the only country in the world with a voluntary census. This decision is wrong and it hurts St. Catharines. Voluntary census responses lead to fewer responses and inaccurate information will lead to groups being underrepresented. Our city requires accurate census information to make important decisions on infrastructure, social programs and long-term planning. Whether it is determining opportunities for economic growth, the needs of schools or community centres, or providing fundamental city services, we need this information to help our residents.

As a city councillor, I have seen firsthand the effects of this economic downturn. In this economy St. Catharines is facing hard times.  In the face of people struggling, government must be able to help those who need it most. Incorrect information will lead to people and programs falling through the cracks.

How can we fight poverty, crime, disease and protect our seniors if we don’t know where they are, and where to target programs?  Cities and nations change over time and accurate information can only strengthen St. Catharines. A mandatory census is accurate and reliable.  Statistics Canada is a model agency for the rest of the world that guarantees the privacy of citizens’ information.  The importance of an accurate census goes beyond our city and it is encouraging to see a broad group of organizations come to its defense – the Catholic Church, the United Church, Anti-Poverty Groups, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons and the Bank of Canada (to name a few).

Though our residents may disagree on the size and role of government in our society, we can all agree that whatever form government takes, it should be effective.  Government can only be effective with reliable and accurate information.

Andrew Gill