URGENT
TIME SENSITIVE
Thornhill & AREA "C" Residents
AUG 30 Deadline to Vote
I would like to thank all that attended our July 21 get together at the Thornhill Community Centre concerning the unfair bylaw proposal for Thornhill and AREA "C" residents. Don't feel badgered or made to feel petty about voting against this bylaw of only a modest $10 annual increase based on current expenses and should remain much the same next year. BUT if capital expenditure is required this could increase. Example, if Thornhill and AREA "C" gives the Heritage Park Museum/Terrace city council a blank cheque there's nothing stopping them from proposing a new museum building, probable cost 2 million or more, therefore probably increasing the $10 annual increase for this bylaw by 25-fold to $250 per year for 25 years. The existing building probably close to 100 years old, sitting on the current site probably for 50 years, is derelict with outdated plumbing, outdated electricity, probably no foundation, poor roof, poor insulation, not repairable. It's not right for Thornhill and AREA "C" taxpayers to finance this at the expense of our own heritage parks and especially in Thornhill's case the safety of our citizens and children going to and from schools with no sidewalks, therefore having to use the ditches and shoulders of the road. Our tax dollars are better spent in our own communities, especially when Terrace is receiving $34.5 million just from the resource benefit allowance which Thornhill receives zero dollars from. Why is it Terrace always approaching their neighboring communities for money when Terrace is the one that has the ability and gets all of their grant money which they don't share with outlying areas.
"TETCA"
Bob Erb
Hello Thornhill, Neighbouring Communities, and Friends,
With summer quickly approaching, so is the vote (TBA). A no-show to vote is a vote in favor of this unfair tax.
must show up and vote "No" to this proposed bylaw. Our money would be better spent in Thornhill. For example:
1. Develop a cemetery for people who have lived here all their lives and currently have to go to neighboring
communities' cemeteries 20 km away.
2. Further develop the community grounds for gardens to contribute to needy families, food banks, and soup
kitchens, and work with other like-minded groups.
3. Construct sidewalks on all streets around Thornhill schools, providing safe passage for parents and our
children to and from the schools.
As it stands, Thornhill sends $2 million annually to the Northern Recreation Fund, which goes to the aqua center and
arenas. Thornhill also contributes significant dollars to the cemetery and library. Thornhill taxpayers pay for the golf
course property taxes, which has 300 Terrace members and makes a profit. They should pay their own taxes.
Thornhill contributes at least 25% of the retail sales in Terrace businesses. Thornhill contributes $3 million in hidden
taxes and transfers, bylaws, etc., dating back from the seventies and eighties to the present. Thornhill also pays for
its own policing. Thornhill roads are well-built and haven't needed rebuilding in my 50 years of living here, unlike
Terrace's Horseshoe and Southside and McConnell Crescent areas. Terrace contributes nothing to Thornhill despite
using our soccer, baseball, and cricket fields, golf course, stock car track, hiking and biking trails, community
grounds, community center, garden club, landfill/dump, restaurants, etc.
INCORPORATION: Incorporation will ensure our tax dollars are spent in Thornhill and not sent to Terrace through
the RDKS. Sewer for Thornhill will be started with government funding and grants, with a small portion attached to
properties for a slight increase annually over 20 years. New businesses and residents will offset most other costs.
Prince Rupert just received $65 million for their upgrades; that money is available for Thornhill, and only
incorporation will unlock the cash. Thornhill is the fastest-growing community in Northwest BC on Yellowhead 16
between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
A Strong Case for Thornhill to Retain Its Tax Dollars and Develop Local Services
Context and Background
Thornhill is a vibrant and growing community facing a critical decision regarding its future financial independence
and development. The proposed bylaw to continue funding Heritage Park with a substantial amount of tax dollars is
an important issue, but Thornhill must prioritize its own development needs.
Moreover, incorporation as a municipality could open the door to significant grants and funding opportunities that
would otherwise be inaccessible. With the impending vote, the residents of Thornhill must understand the
implications and benefits of voting against the proposed bylaw and supporting incorporation.
Importance of Retaining Tax Dollars
Key Arguments for Local Development
Development of Essential Services
Sewage Treatment Facility
Current Situation: Inadequate sewage infrastructure limits commercial growth.
Benefit: Developing a sewage treatment facility is key to attracting commercial and retail development along
Highway 16 frontage road.
Cemetery Development
Current Situation: Residents currently have to use cemeteries in neighboring communities, 20 km away.
Benefit: Developing a local cemetery would honor long-term residents and provide a convenient and respectful
option for families.
Community Gardens and Support for Needy Families
Current Situation: Limited local resources for food security and support for low-income families.
Benefit: Expanding community gardens could enhance local food banks and soup kitchens, fostering community
involvement and supporting those in need.
Improved Safety Around Schools
Current Situation: Lack of sidewalks around Thornhill schools poses a safety risk for children and parents.
Benefit: Constructing sidewalks would ensure safe passage for students, promoting a safer and more walkable
community.
Financial Fairness and Efficiency
Disproportionate Contributions to Regional Services
Current Situation: Thornhill sends $2 million annually to the Northern Recreation Fund, supporting facilities like the
aqua center and arenas that primarily benefit Terrace residents.
Benefit: Redirecting these funds to local services would ensure that Thornhill residents directly benefit from their tax
dollars.
Supporting Self-Sustaining Community Amenities
Current Situation: Thornhill taxpayers subsidize property taxes for profitable amenities like the golf course, which
has 300 Terrace members.
Benefit: Requiring such entities to pay their own taxes would free up funds for local infrastructure and services.
Addressing Hidden Taxes and Transfers
Current Situation: Thornhill contributes $3 million in hidden taxes and transfers to Terrace.
Benefit: Retaining these funds within Thornhill would allow for better maintenance and development of local services
and infrastructure.
Addressing Unfair Voting Power
Key Concerns Regarding Regional Representation
Disproportionate Voting Power
Current Situation: Despite similar populations, Thornhill (Area E) has only 1 out of 12 votes at the regional district
level.
Impact: The combined weighted vote of two Terrace and one Kitimat director can outvote the entire board,
undermining Thornhill's influence on regional decisions.
Advocating for Fair Representation
Solution: Advocating for fair representation and equitable distribution of voting power is crucial to ensure that all
communities have a voice in regional decision-making processes.
Advantages of Incorporation
Access to Government Grants and Funding
Unlocking Financial Resources
Current Situation: As an unincorporated area, Thornhill is ineligible for many government grants.
Benefit: Incorporation would make Thornhill eligible for substantial funding, similar to the $65 million received by
Prince Rupert for upgrades.
Sustainable Financial Planning
Current Situation: Limited financial autonomy restricts long-term planning and development.
Benefit: Incorporation would enable Thornhill to plan and execute long-term infrastructure projects with financial
support from government grants.
Local Control and Decision-Making
Prioritizing Local Needs
Current Situation: Decisions about fund allocation are influenced by broader regional priorities.
Benefit: Incorporation would ensure that decisions are made by and for Thornhill residents, aligning with local
priorities and needs.
Enhanced Community Engagement
Current Situation: Limited local governance structures reduce community involvement in decision-making.
Benefit: Incorporation would enhance community engagement and representation, fostering a more democratic and
responsive local government.
Conclusion
Thornhill stands at a crossroads, with a pivotal opportunity to secure its financial independence and prioritize local
development. By voting against the proposed bylaw and supporting incorporation, residents can ensure that their tax
dollars are spent on essential services and infrastructure within Thornhill. This strategic shift will not only enhance
the quality of life for current residents but also position Thornhill as a thriving and self-sufficient community in
Northwest BC. It is imperative for residents to participate in the upcoming vote and make their voices heard for a
prosperous future for Thornhill.