Recent letters to the editor regarding rural tax increases to offset the town of Huntsville’s rising infrastructure costs have clearly expressed the residents’ shared frustration and disbelief that this is the best solution.  

Several suggestions have been offered, most notably, put spending on hold until the books can be balanced. This, albeit not the most glamorous option, would enable a successful foundation to be created for two key long-term strategies: a town growth plan that emphasizes intensification, and a heightened effort for energy efficient town buildings.  

Intensification, synonymous with “smart growth” focuses on building within the town versus sprawl, synonymous with “not-so-smart growth.” Prioritizing development within the urban core allows the town to generate a higher taxpayer base without having to finance the ongoing maintenance costs of new infrastructure associated with sprawl.

Secondly, energy efficiency must be viewed as a necessity for any longterm plan over something like a Blackberry, for example.  The town of Huntsville estimates $10,000 per year in BlackBerry fees.  

Five years from now, one of two scenarios could present themselves: Continued BlackBerry use at a cost of $50,000 with little direct evidence of substantiated savings. Or, annual investments of $10,000 toward solar water heaters, panels and geothermal systems which would have direct evidence of saving taxpayer dollars on energy costs plus future savings.  

Naturally, this scenario is somewhat simplified, yet hopefully it illustrates that, beyond raising rural residents’ taxes, there are several directions to address the town’s financial woes, and simultaneously be environmentally pro-active.  

Matt Richter

Parry Sound-Muskoka,
Provincial Green Party Candidate