Taxes: They’re not just about numbers on a slip of paper—they’re the secret sauce that keeps our community running. Sure, nobody loves paying them, except maybe accountants, but without them, Clearwater might just be a few potholes, a closed curling rink, and a lot of "good luck" wishes for your next emergency.
At the municipal level, taxes fund critical services like waste management, road maintenance, parks, and recreation facilities. They keep our arena and curling rink open, maintain our water systems, and ensure emergency services like the fire department are there when we need them. Without these, we’d be stuck dodging potholes and using our ice skates for something far less fun.
Provincially, taxes support healthcare, education, and regional infrastructure. They make sure our schools stay open and stocked with everything from textbooks to basketballs. And let’s not forget healthcare, because nobody wants to tackle their next flu with only herbal tea and wishful thinking.
Federally, taxes contribute to programs like the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and even defence. They’re what keep our country running smoothly—or at least trying to—while also ensuring smaller communities like ours get the resources we need.
But what happens when individuals or businesses don’t pay their fair share? The impact is felt by everyone. There are times when people may run into hard times, that’s life, but they can work with our staff to come up with solutions and plan a way forward. Be open and honest; simply ignoring it for years won’t make it go away, it’ll just make it worse. Our staff are kind and professional, and we want everyone to thrive in our community.
Unfortunately, some folks avoid taxes altogether, thinking they’ve outsmarted the system. But here’s the reality: it’s your taxes that pay for the enforcement and monitoring needed to track these people down. That’s money out of your pocket, money that could have been spent fixing our roads, expanding recreational programs, or maybe even putting a few more books on the library shelves.
It’s not just about taxes, either. When businesses don’t pay employee taxes, CPP, or workers' compensation, they’re not just bending the rules, they’re breaking them. Paying employees in cash might sound like a shortcut, but it’s the workers who ultimately pay the price. They lose out on employment insurance, miss contributing to their federal retirement earnings, and can even be denied medical coverage or compensation if injured on the job. Is it really worth it?
The solution? Let’s support the businesses and individuals who do things the right way. While the vast majority of businesses in Clearwater are in compliance, if you suspect a business is being irresponsible or dodging regulations, it’s easy to tell. They are required to have their business license properly posted, and if applicable, their health and safety notice and liquor license should be visible too. If you’re unsure, you can simply call the relevant agencies and they’ll share information about that business quickly and easily. Those who follow the rules deserve our respect and our patronage. These are the businesses investing in Clearwater’s future, creating jobs, supporting local causes, and ensuring everyone benefits from shared resources. As for the others, well, maybe a pothole-filled path to their door will send the right message.
At the end of the day, taxes are not just a financial obligation, they’re an investment in our collective future. They keep our community strong, our services running, and our infrastructure sound. By paying our fair share and supporting those who do the same, we ensure Clearwater continues to thrive for generations to come. And hey, if we all pitch in, maybe we can finally retire those ice skates from road maintenance duty.
Ken Matheson
Municipal Councillor for the District of Clearwater
