Listening to lobby groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) you'd think that the only thing small employers talk about is tax cuts.
Listening to lobby groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) you'd think that the only thing small employers talk about is tax cuts. That's not what I heard this morning from business owners in Cathedral. They are concerned with residential densification to enhance foot traffic, snow removal, and public transit in the area. In other words, improved public services. They are rightfully annoyed that the City gives them two days notice before embarking on major road construction projects that affects business for months.
Some were annoyed that absentee land owners are allowed to sit on vacant lots for years without developing the space. These land owners should be paying higher taxes, said one business owner. Another was so bold as to suggest that the City should be free to just purchase the property and develop the land itself. I say the same goes for residential property owners who allow housing to sit vacant. Not a single person complained about commercial property taxes. And like all residents they want to see public funds invested wisely.