Dear editor,
I am responding to the article in the Aug. 24 Record regarding Courtenay wanting to annex the area west of Arden Road in the Webdon, Carron Road area of regional district C.
In 1998, Courtenay annexed the east side of Arden Road under the excuse that septic systems there were failing. The majority of those homes are still on their septic systems 13 years later.
As a result of this annexation, there was at least one widow who, with her husband, had built their home and expected to live in it for the rest of her life after he passed on. Due to the huge increase in taxes, she was forced to sell and move.
In our block alone, there are 10 homes out of 19 with owners on pension. None of have the $25,000 to $30,000 (plus) mentioned in the article [plus up to triple the taxes per year] that being annexed into Courtenay could cost! And for nothing more than we have now!
Of 104 homes in our area I know of none with failing septic systems. There is no reason for us to be taken in by Courtenay unless some developer wants the area which is against regulations.
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms we have the right to "life, liberty and security". Pensioners' security is in their homes!
D. Beeler,
Area C