Well Tuesday night May 18 the Community Standards Bylaws came up for second and third reading.
Both readings passed by a vote of 5-1, with Councilor Salus away on holidays the only Councilor that voted in opposition was Councilor Taje.
With the support of our Mayor and with comments from Councilor Mitchell that "its time to clean this place up" it felt like all of Council would stand behind this very important bylaw.
Previously when the public spoke to council we heard statements from both developers and business owners about how we need to clean the community up to attract both new residents and businesses.
Council Taje voiced his concern about people on fixed income not being able to afford to adhere to this bylaw. The argument was made that the addition of the hardship clause to the bylaw would cover off that concern but never the less he still voiced his opposition.
I really struggle with the opinion that people on fixed income cannot look after their homes take a walk around our community, there are many homes owned by seniors and people on fixed incomes that are very well looked after, and on the other hand I can show you homes where there are people making a $100,000 a year that live in pig pens.
Anyway this is a time to recognize that we have made a bold step forward towards improving the appearance of our community.
Showing posts with label Protection for Seniors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Protection for Seniors. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Myths regarding the Crowsnest Pass Community Standards Bylaws
(Myth) I will not be able to tinker with my own motorbike despite the fact that I have my own garage:
Amendment provided on May 11:
1. Automotive repairs:
No person may conduct any repair work on motor vehicles, including engine replacement, mechanical repairs, auto bodywork, frame repair, collision repair, auto painting, auto detailing or modifications to the body or rebuilding of a motor vehicle, on any site in a residential area unless it is completed within a structure or garage suited for the purpose and out of public view, unless such land use has been approved by a Municipal authority.
This prohibition shall not apply to routine maintenance work done on any vehicles owned, operated, registered and insured in the name of the owner or occupant of premises, provided that:
A. The activity does not create a nuisance or noise complaints from the neighborhood;
B. There is no escape of offensive, annoying or noxious odors, fumes or smoke from the site;
C. Vehicle fluids, oil, gasoline products or other hazardous materials are properly stored and disposed of and not swept or washed into lanes, streets, or down storm sewers;
D. All discarded vehicle parts and materials are properly stored or disposed of away from the site.
Take a close look at the first paragraph, if you have a structure or garage there is no issue for any kind of repairs.
And regular maintenance is covered of by the second paragraph.
(Myth) This will put undo financial hardship on seniors on fixed income:
Amendment provided on May 11:
The Board will consider applications for a Financial Hardship Exemption Order be it for reasons of health, financial hardship or other reason. In order to be considered for such an exemption, an applicant must complete a form available from the Municipality, must be the owner of the affected property, as defined in Section 2, Q, (i) of this Bylaw, and must provide evidence that they are in receipt of the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement. A Financial Hardship Exemption Order will identify the owner, the property, the section(s) of this Bylaw for which the exemption applies, and the period (not to exceed five years) for which the exemption is valid. Upon expiry of a Financial Hardship Exemption Order, a person may apply to the Board for further extension. A Financial Hardship Exemption Order will be considered void, upon any change of ownership of the affected property
The above is no different to what we do on the Seniors Property tax rebate if you qualify for the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement an exemption will be provided.
Whats I found really interesting was most of the people that were screaming to protect the seniors, were not seniors themselves. Also anybody that's lived here for a long time knows most of our seniors take tremendous pride in their homes and yards, and probably 99% of them would be well in compliance with the bylaw.
Amendment provided on May 11:
1. Automotive repairs:
No person may conduct any repair work on motor vehicles, including engine replacement, mechanical repairs, auto bodywork, frame repair, collision repair, auto painting, auto detailing or modifications to the body or rebuilding of a motor vehicle, on any site in a residential area unless it is completed within a structure or garage suited for the purpose and out of public view, unless such land use has been approved by a Municipal authority.
This prohibition shall not apply to routine maintenance work done on any vehicles owned, operated, registered and insured in the name of the owner or occupant of premises, provided that:
A. The activity does not create a nuisance or noise complaints from the neighborhood;
B. There is no escape of offensive, annoying or noxious odors, fumes or smoke from the site;
C. Vehicle fluids, oil, gasoline products or other hazardous materials are properly stored and disposed of and not swept or washed into lanes, streets, or down storm sewers;
D. All discarded vehicle parts and materials are properly stored or disposed of away from the site.
Take a close look at the first paragraph, if you have a structure or garage there is no issue for any kind of repairs.
And regular maintenance is covered of by the second paragraph.
(Myth) This will put undo financial hardship on seniors on fixed income:
Amendment provided on May 11:
The Board will consider applications for a Financial Hardship Exemption Order be it for reasons of health, financial hardship or other reason. In order to be considered for such an exemption, an applicant must complete a form available from the Municipality, must be the owner of the affected property, as defined in Section 2, Q, (i) of this Bylaw, and must provide evidence that they are in receipt of the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement. A Financial Hardship Exemption Order will identify the owner, the property, the section(s) of this Bylaw for which the exemption applies, and the period (not to exceed five years) for which the exemption is valid. Upon expiry of a Financial Hardship Exemption Order, a person may apply to the Board for further extension. A Financial Hardship Exemption Order will be considered void, upon any change of ownership of the affected property
The above is no different to what we do on the Seniors Property tax rebate if you qualify for the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement an exemption will be provided.
Whats I found really interesting was most of the people that were screaming to protect the seniors, were not seniors themselves. Also anybody that's lived here for a long time knows most of our seniors take tremendous pride in their homes and yards, and probably 99% of them would be well in compliance with the bylaw.
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