Re: “Speculation tax is unfair to owners,” letter, Sept. 19.
I believe the writer who declares she is a part-time resident is missing the point. She describes what she believes she adds to the community, but does not address what she takes away.
First, by purchasing a residence that might otherwise be occupied by someone who lives here full-time, she has helped reduce the supply for those who do live here full-time. It seems inevitable that as supply goes down, prices go up, which affects affordability for those who make their living here.
She is also making an assumption that someone who lives here full-time doesn’t make the same contributions to the community.
At the least, a full-time resident, unlike a part-time resident, supports local businesses year-round, and pays provincial income tax, as well as property tax.
As residents of Greater Victoria, should we be more concerned about those who can afford two residences, or those who can’t afford one? The latter are often those who provide the essential services and economic growth upon which we depend.
Janice Davis
Oak Bay
