Municipalities and regional districts across B.C. are asking the provincial government to leave it up to them to decide whether to opt in or out of the controversial speculation tax, or come up with their own levy on vacant properties.
Langford Mayor Stew Young will join several other BC mayors Wednesday to speak against the tax at the Union of BC Municipalities meeting in Whistler. He says its having a negative effect in Langford.
"We've spent a lot of time attracting people to Langford building our economy and the jobs that go with it, and they've got their homes for sale now and they are saying --'hey, if BC doesn't want us'---these Alberta people are leaving and the government needs to recognize that."
The speculation tax was announced in February's provincial budget and would apply to homeowners in six regional districts or municipalities who don't live in a property, or rent it out long-term.