JENNIFER ARGUE, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
March 22, 2022
Reeve Bob Schmidt has been inundated with calls from angry ratepayers after the RM registers interests on properties that have taken out trailer permits. He recalled one call from a screaming resident who had him telling the person not to swear before the caller hung up on him.
The issue came to light when the RM council discussed a letter from a ratepayer in Uhl’s Bay. They asked why the trailer fees are so high and why the RM registered an interest on their property after a letter from the RM said the property owner has permission to keep the trailer on the lot indefinitely.
Schmidt said the RM’s attempt to apply trailer fees has turned into a “nightmare.” Schmidt said that many callers didn’t realize that there was a five-year time limit to build once they took out the trailer permit. He said people had told him they wouldn’t build and would haul their trailers back and forth instead.
Schmidt said to get people on board; the application fee was free the first year before coming into effect in the second year.
In 2021, the RM’s trailer permits cost $500, garbage and admin fee included. However, in 2022, the RM charged $250 for garbage and $250 for administration, in addition to the $500 application fee.
The CAO Brandi Morissette said in retrospect, the fees are high. She reminded the council a strategic plan goal was to generate revenue. However, she said, the fees have to be directly tied to an actual cost and can’t be used to subsidize taxes in the RM. The cost of registering an interest in the properties comes at a cost to taxpayers of $75 apiece. The CAO said there is no financial implication to the registered interest, and it is not the same as a lien.
Councillor Labatte said they are a recreational community and want people to come to the area. While not everyone wants to build a home, the five-year period gives people time to make that decision. Councillor Whitrow commented they don’t want people to put a trailer on a lot for 25 years.
Councillor Dixon said the council looked to promote reasonable development. “Not everybody can afford a four to five hundred-thousand-dollar house. So, this is a stepping stone.”
Because of the discussion, Council has changed the fees. The $500 application fee will be a onetime charge as long as people continue to pay the yearly $250 admin fee and $250 garbage fee. If there is a gap, the RM will charge the fee again.
The changes will be brought back for approval at the next meeting. Some will receive refunds. Council has said if people refuse to remove their trailers after five years, they will have to take people to court.
LMT has asked the RM how many interests they registered on properties that took out trailer permits. Our questions continue to go unanswered.
Note: These reports are abridged for content
