Liberal says NDP will raise property taxes By lan Noble News Reporter PROVINCIAL Liberal leader Gordon Campbell had a warn- ing for North Shore taxpayers and business- es Thursday — expect higher local taxes. He pinned the blame on an NDP government that just began what could be a five- year term in May. “Because -of this NDP government, because of Glen Clark, Andrew Petter, Elizabeth Cull and Dan Miller, and lie after lie after lie that - they’ve told you, your Property taxes are going to go up, and they are. going to go up big time on the North Shore,” he said. Speaking to the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Campbell said rail tax ‘breaks given by Victoria. are going to be picked up by small businesses - and by homeowners if munic- ipal services are to be main- tained. He warned chamber members, to start fighting those hefty property ‘tax increases now. “I know how much impact those property taxes have on your business- ¢s.-Those taxes are going to flow right through to the bottom line.” Don Bell; who will soon _inherit the: mayor’s chair. in North Vancouver : District, agreed that district taxpayers can expect a higher tax bill for 1997. : After two years of zero tax increases, . Bell expects taxes “ ,.. lie after lie after lie that they’ve told = © you, your property taxes are going to go up, and they ; are going to go up big time....” to jump a minimum of 2% next year. Over the next few years, the district expects to lose $800,000 in revenue from rail companies due to tax breaks given by the NDP to help Canadian railways remain competitive, Bell sees other revenue losses for his municipality as the province cuts back’ on social services. “Now we’re secing (social agencies) come to us and ask for additional money,” he told the News after Campbell spoke. Bell expects “substantial revenue reductions” as grants to the municipality “from Victoria are scaled back. Meanwhile, Campbell hit many of the same notes that he strummed in his failed bid get oa Liberal gov- ernment elected in May. He reiterat- ed a Liberal government ould impose _ bai- anced budger legislation, cut govern- ment red tape, estab- lish free votes in the legista- ture, and change the way government services are de- livered. He added that ministers f cUTOFTOWN ff g PROPERTY FOR SALE & H SAVARY ISLAND fe OCEAN FRONT: Approximately By f 30x86 metres (100 feet x 282 1 jfeet) located on. beautiful sea view and possibility of lying up your boat and equip- - 2 ment in front of your property. fm @ You can bathe in tepid water, feast free on clams, oysters, 4 and salmon, drink free spring e Mm Water, Call for info package nS of higher ie who overspend would be hit with a 20% salary cut in th- first year, “If it’s two years you will be fired. And if you're the premier and your overall budget is over, you'll take a 20% cut in your pay, and if it’s two years, you're stupid,” Campbell said to a few chuckles. Not surprisingly, Campbell attacked Clark for the way he has handled the public's purse. Clark and company were clected on the basis of a “fair- ly enormous public lie,” said Campbell. He said the NDP, which campaigned on the basis of two consecutive bal- anced budgets, knew they were headed for a-deficit, a For Sale awn your offic and 2477 Bellevue water view $650,000. NORTH VANCOUVER 141 West 16th St. 155 EAST 3RD ST. from 556 Sq.ft. to 1876 So.it. Call David Thomas Mark Hagedorn 922-6995 Wes WestReal Realty Inc. UCC OCCA Sc ie Cal taxes | in investment in B.C. . Campbell said job cre- ation in B.C. has been cut in half over the last year. the minds of potential in- vestors. The result, Campbell ad- ded, is a gradual reduction reduction in their revenues, and $1 billion in extra debt. That, he said, will raise questions of trust in B.C. in PARK ROYAL NORTH location only & Ge O21-1212 conveniently located between the Bread Garden and L.C8 * Valid only vith purchase of complete eyewear ; ‘offers not valid with other promotions - - ~ Were nota bank Were better. ‘6 LA 2 Po? tee eee BE SCSU ru Bei Oo a a ao oe a rc cee