No revenue from forest program shocking
As a long time supporter of the municipal forest program (the version started around 1980) I was shocked to hear that the program has produced no revenue in 2020 and requires a subsidy in excess of $500,000 to cover its cost. While the primary aim of the program was never a “profit” the program did provide revenue each year to apply against the tax requirements. Sometimes the amount was in excess of $1 million. Now the municipality needs to redirect funds to cover this cost, funds that could be used elsewhere in this year of reduced municipal revenue due to COVID.
Recreation costs, pensions for retired councillors, green projects such as tree plantings, automotive charging stations, etc. could be covered.
This would likely have been a good revenue (from the forest) year as the price of timber and lumber are up substantially. But it’s a big, big loss.
Can’t blame this on COVID.
On top of this we are funding some study — a group grope — for some concerned citizens who had some ex-professor tell us we would get $1.5 million in cash for “carbon offsets” if we stopped logging. As Cuba Gooding Jr. said, “show me the money”.
Glen Ridgway
North Cowichan
