Tax Sales and Election Coverage

Part 1, Cache Creek Tax Sale: The Village of Cache Creek held an event over Facebook live. This was in regards to the current round of property tax sales. What is a property tax sale? It is when a property or home is three years in arrears on their property tax. After the three year time frame the home in question is put up for auction for only the amount of the missed taxes, and other missed taxes or fees attached to the property. After the tax sale, the current owners still have one year to pay the missed taxes and keep their property.

In this instance there were three mobile homes located in the nearby Sage and Sands Mobile Home Park that were on the auction block. In all three instances there were no bids, and the Village of Cache Creek took on the responsibility of the missing tax payments. The village's council was not involved -- this was hosted by the Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Administrative Officer from Cache Creek.

Part 2 Ash-Creek News Episode 43: The Volunteer Fire Department in Cache Creek has secured funds (including an amount of $1000 from the Cache Creek Village) to host the annual 2020 Halloween fireworks. There was some speculation that due to COVID-19 the fireworks would not be taking place but the CCFD has found its way forward.

The Liberal government throne speech took place on September 23rd, some of the highlights include the roadmap to helping Canadians weather the unrelenting storm of the COVID-19 pandemic and “build back better” for a fairer, more resilient country. It also called on parliamentarians to meet the crucial moment like past Canadians who led the country through wars and depression. The speech outlined the phaseout of the popular CERB, set to expire on Sept. 26. Liberals had already said they would expand employment insurance with the goal of moving everyone on the CERB to that system. A new benefit that pays $400 a week for up to 26 weeks — the Canada Recovery Benefit — will replace the CERB for those ineligible for EI, such as “gig” and contract workers.

In provincial politics, the coming election has brought out five candidates in the riding of Fraser Nicola, Jackie Tegart for the Liberals, Aaron Sumexheltza for the NDP, Jonah Timms for the BC Greens, Mike Bhangu as an independent, and Dennis Adamson also as an independent. The HUB Online Network will be providing interviews with all of the candidates and an all candidates forum, happening on October 15th.

Part 3 Ash-Creek News ep 44, "Elections, Elections, Elections": The Ashcroft Slough Society being represented by Dan Collett is seeking to regain access to the Ashcroft Slough, why is there no access? The Ashcroft Terminal is expanding and has closed Evans Road at the Terminal's property line, which restricts access to the normal access point. This access point is also next to the CN railroad tracks. The Society is looking for a walking overpass or a tunnel to get under the tracks.

Each of the candidates running in the Fraser Nicola area have put out their own platforms as well as (except for the BC Greens) the bigger parties platforms. Some of the bigger promises include removing the PST for a year, and allowing competition for ICBC, which would "take away the monopoly of ICBC". Those promises are from the Liberal Party. The NDP has promised to give $1000 to families and $500 to single citizens over 18 in BC if elected, and bring stability for the next four years during COVID-19 pandemic.