It’s not something Area C residents want to hear, but they’ll be paying more taxes.

That was the gist of a public meeting last week hosted by the regional district at the Oliver Community Centre.

As usual, very few residents attended, but there was nothing surprising about Finance Manager Sandy Croteau’s presentation.

Area C will pay an additional $109,000 in taxes to the regional district (over last year’s $1.4 million).

This means, for the average $255,000 home, the taxes will be approximately $586, up $46 from last year.

Parks and recreation costs take the biggest chunk, with residents paying $194 for these shared services.

Croteau said user fees for water, sewer and garbage/recycling will not change.

She noted there are a number of factors affecting this year’s tax requisition from the regional district.

Recreation is up $87,000 due to increased operating costs and a one-time increase for weight room expansion (at a cost of $120,000). Oliver’s share is $46,000.

Croteau noted that the arena needs to replace its ice edger, the pool needs to replace its cooling unit, and the community hall needs to replace its furnace.

Refuse collection is down $11,000, while the heritage function is up $7,000 due to a requested grant from the society.

Croteau reported that Area C residents are only paying 3.7 per cent of the region’s total assessed value. She noted that assessments in rural Oliver are up six per cent.

Other factors include: 9-1-1 emergency call system up $7,000 (for upgraded system); increase in regional trails (up $4,000); increase of electoral area administration (up $21,000); and a $12,000 increase in the Willowbrook fire service (for wage standardization and fire master plan).

Croteau said Area C residents will also be paying a little more for hospital services this year. For example, it will be $85 per household valued at $255,000, or $101 for a household valued at $305,000. Last year residents paid $96.

Croteau said there is a tax deferment  program available to people over 55, surviving spouses, persons with disabilities and families with children.

Area C resident Dave Evans said he would like to see more money allocated to secure public access to areas that appear to be blocked or restricted.

For example, he noted the old road from Fairview Mine to Reed Creek is restricted, and other areas are either gated or blocked.

“Most of these places you can’t get into anymore,” Evans said. “You put all the money into the KVR . . . I hope you’re not ignoring other trails.”

Evans said public access is being lost very rapidly and the regional district needs to secure these areas for people to enjoy.

Evans also questioned the weight room expansion, asking if residents will get that money back in fees charged to users. And how long will that take?

Parks and Recreation board member Rick Knodel said some of that money will be recoverable. He pointed out that the expansion is not strictly a weight room expansion, but an addition to the recreation building.

By Lyonel Doherty