I am a retired home owner on a fixed income. Just in the last year I found that prices are going up everywhere - especially at the grocery store. I've lived here for 12 years now and my taxes have been going up every year. It started with only about $50 per year but last year it was over $100. I heard that our city council has once again approved an increase in the 2022 budget. I read it would only be about $100 but that's on top all of the previous year's increases. With everything going up in price that $100 is getting to be significant for those of us on fixed income. My pension has allowed us to get by without any help but its now getting difficult. I would like to see Council take a close look at why taxes go up every year. Perhaps we need to look at service reductions.

Admin:    When you have a healthy income that goes up every year then a $100 increase in your property tax bill may not be a problem. However those on fixed income cannot as easily adapt. I agree Council needs to take a close look at expenses.

I grew up in Owen Sound many years ago. At the time Owen Sound was a bustling municipality. I recall how crowded the main street was on a Saturday afternoon - it was often wall to wall people. There were great stores such as Peoples and Woolworths. (This was before Heritage Mall). I also recall the many company sponsored family picnics in Harrison Park. I remember one such picnic I attended as a young 10 year old that was sponsored by Russell Hipwells. There were a number of major industries with good paying jobs. When I returned after a 50 year absence these industries had all closed their doors. Not sure what happened.

Admin:    I believe the industries you’re referring to were receiving government grants and when the grants dried up they left.

We need to address this issue head on by removing encampments as soon as they go up. The reason why the Trucker Convey in Ottawa got out of hand was because the Ottawa police failed to arrest them on day 2. If we don’t immediately clamp down on this we will end up like California. We saw this problem in Toronto where the failure to act quickly ended up in a major issue when the police finally when in to break up the encampment. We need Council to direct police to enforce existing bylaws and enact new bylaws to stop encampments on city property. If we make it difficult to camp on public property then maybe those addicted among them will seek treatment.

Admin:    I think you will find that there are many who will agree with you. There are some who suggest we should let them be because many are addicted. I agree that perhaps a little tough love will encourage them to seek treatment.