Former hockey player and current city council candidate Thomas Steen feels Winnipeg homeowners should not be penalized by having to pay higher property taxes.
Steen is referring to Judy Wasylycia-Leis’ plan to raise property taxes by two percent for four years if elected. The end to the property tax freeze would generate an additional $8 million a year in revenue for the city.
Steen would rather see taxes lowered — a move the Elmwood/East Kildonan candidate says residents in his ward support. Steen says a tax increase may compel homeowners to sell their properties and move outside city limits.
The alternative to a tax increase is making wiser investments, according to Steen. “I certainly don’t want to see hard working citizens penalized for investing in their homes and communities only to be hit with higher property assessments and inevitable tax increases,” he added.
“There needs to be a continued stress on finding efficiencies, continuous improvement initiatives, and a focus on core services,” a statement from Steen’s campaign read.
Mayor Sam Katz hasn’t said yet whether he supports ending the property tax freeze.
