A few weeks ago (Jan. 17 Province - letter to the editor) I proclaimed my displeasure about an unfair tax that was being levied by Red Deer County for private camping.
I got such a response from not only people from this county but from others as well, some even asking if we had a fund set up to fight this. So I felt obligated to look into it further.
I started by talking to the provincial government to inquire about this tax the county is blaming them for.
I was told that the law that is being used by the county is one of those (and there are many) broadly-based laws, and while the county was not breaking any law by collecting this tax, it certainly was a very grey area.
Further to that, the province leaves open interpretation of many laws to the municipalities. That is why most counties are not collecting such a tax.
I haven't heard of any other county trying to collect this so-called tax. So far I have only found about six properties that are being taxed, all in the same vicinity.
Which brings to question, are they all in Division 1? Is this just a test pilot being conducted or is it an inner government riff? Why are only a very small percentage of people getting this tax?
I have had dozens of people tell me of their own favourite spots and can't believe that they are not getting taxed as well.
It astounds me that you can go to the foothills and camp for free on Crown land (they even put up signs and maintain roads). You can put a fishing shack on the lake and leave it there all winter. There is no charge for either.
If you have a Crown lease quarter you must by law allow people to enter and even camp if they wish, but you can't camp on your own land without being taxed hugely for it.
Seems a little socialistic to this ratepayer.
Still angry and looking for answers.
Brian Mose
Elnora
