Seniors who own their own homes are being hit hard by skyrocketing expenses.
City staff and Ward 8 Coun. Ted Callaghan were told the bad news at a city council budget consultation Monday afternoon at the Parkside Centre.
Increasing property taxes based on elevated market assessment rates for their homes, higher home heating costs and even increasing property maintenance fees for cutting lawns and shovelling snow are problems for seniors.
That affects the quality of life for seniors who are trying to stay in their homes, they said in a wrap up of their concerns.
Hiding tax hikes in more costly sewer and water bills did not fool one senior who contacted Anadel Hastie, co-chair of the city council's Advisory Panel on Seniors' Issues.
“I was also told seniors were not keen on the city's plan for the two legacy projects-the sports and arts complexes. They may be OK with the capital expense involved. They worry the high operating costs will mean they will pay more taxes as the years go by,” said Hastie.
“Many say they will not be the ones who will ever use the sports or arts centres,” she said.
Hastie, in a release, said Greater Sudbury's senior population is increasing rapidly.
Those 75 years old and over jumped from 9,005 in 2001 to 10,700 in 2006, an increase of 18.9 per cent.
Over 4,415 owner-occupied households were led by someone over the age of 75 in 2006, an increase of 17.4 per cent from just 3,710 earlier in 2001.
“These factors make the problems faced by this specific group of seniors important at this time,” she stated.
Ted Callaghan said he had the concern by seniors before and that there may be a couple of recommendations city council can embark on to try and help ease the plight of strapped homeowners.
Further consultations on the city's budget take place next Monday, September 22 at Tom Davies Square at 5:30 p.m.
“Citizens can play an active role in local government by making a public presentation or by submitting their views in writing as part of the municipal budget process,” said Callaghan.
Those who wish to present need to pre-register with the city council secretary at Tom Davies Square.
Presenters are asked to keep their remarks to five minutes. Written comment forms are available on-line at www.greatersudbury.ca, at any library branch or citizen service centre.For more information phone 3-1-1.
