Editor:
Our strata building received a letter from the City of White Rock stating that as of June 30, the city would no longer collect garbage from buildings of seven units or more; that each building would be required to find their own contractor; and that each owner would receive a deduction in taxes equivalent to the amount formerly paid to the city as taxes for garbage collection (Change in wind for garbage pickup, Jan. 8).
As I was puzzled by the need for this removal of a core city service, I telephoned Mayor Wayne Balwin for clarification. After our conversation, I am, unfortunately, even more concerned and left with many questions.
Firstly, the mayor indicated there were stratas that were already contracting privately and were also paying that portion on their taxes. How many such strata buildings are there? Why have they chosen a private contractor?
After speaking to many neighbouring buildings, it appears there are only a few who have made such arrangements. Could these buildings not be accommodated in some fashion without disrupting service for the majority of strata owners?
Secondly, one of our owners visited the city operations department to ascertain just how much of a discount would be in effect on our taxes. He was told this was a complex matter and could not be determined.
How could this be? Surely, the amount is either a set fee or a percentage of total tax payable and rather straightforward.
Thirdly, some cities have contracted out for garbage collection. However, the majority have contracted to one provider for seamless service. Why has White Rock chosen to have each strata scramble to find its own provider without even a list of contractors?
Fourthly, if stratas do find their own contractor, there could be a multiplicity of agencies with various rules leading to consequences, such as increased traffic, trucks too large for some lanes and safety issues, particularly regarding children and the elderly. Have these consequences been studied and a plan for amelioration developed?
Finally, as White Rock is a small city with approximately 50 per cent of owners living in stratas, and at a time when multi-family living is encouraged for environmental reasons, why are strata owners being deprived of a core service that remains open to single-family homes?
I hope the city will address these questions and concerns and either rescind this confusing and unworkable dictate or create a plan that will work for most.
Theresa Reilkoff, Villa Positano strata president
