Balance on the Ballot

 It is a rather curious thing that property taxes are generally included in the rent. At first blush it would seem innocuous enough, it would seem that anything otherwise would be preposterous - after all, renters are comparatively disadvantaged while property owners are comparatively advantaged. Property owners have had enough good fortune to put aside enough for a downpayment and are also well enough off to have enough income to cover the mortgage should they require one. Surely, it is only fair that the liability for the property tax accrue to the owner of the property.  Except, this leads to rather curious results, particularly when rents and tenancy are controlled - as they are in British Columbia, where renters then become immune to the spending decisions of their municipal government. Renters, as residents, are entitled to vote in municipal elections (as they should be), and are still full beneficiaries of the services provided by municipal governments - including polic...

I believe homeownership has been the bedrock of a stable and resilient economy in North America. I believe strong cities have broad and deep roots - and that a large share of owner occupied dwellings contribute to the strength of a city, making it more resilient. I do not believe the door to home ownership should be slammed shut to those who make a reasonable living within the region. I believe residents, people who live and work, who are raising their families, and running their businesses in our cities should come before those who are merely parking their money in our city or just want a place here for while they visit. I believe buying the home you intend to live in should be (relatively) easy - and that buying a second, third, fourth or subsequent home should be far more difficult.  Recently, a politically connected economist from the University of Victoria, Rob Gillezeau tweeted that "British Columbia's Home Owner Grant has to be one of the single worst pieces of public p...