The Results are IN! Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association Member Poll
- B R
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
by Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association Board of Directors,
January 2025
Recently, the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association conducted a poll to garner a
better understanding of our members’ perceptions and insights about the
Crowsnest Pass local government. In particular, the inquiry examined whether or
not there is a need for change in our local government; examined the level of trust
between constituents and government representatives; surveyed the concern for
a lack of transparency by our municipal government, and; examined the people’s
response to municipal taxes. We remain a non-partisan, non-profit, advocacy
group within the town of Crowsnest Pass. Our role is to inform and educate
citizens, constituents, taxpayers and the electorate about matters pertaining to
fiscal accountability. It is also the aim of the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’
Association to communicate to our members a better understanding of the
Municipal operating and capital budgets. The “voice” of our members expresses
an uneasiness for year to year escalating property and business taxes, as well as,
excessive spending on “luxury” projects rather than decreasing the debt and,
ultimately, lowering taxes. These concerns, legitimate, reveal an erosion of
citizens’ quality living.
The following shares the results of the January 2025 member poll conducted by
the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association. In our effort to obtain a larger sample
size, it will be our endeavour to continue to conduct this poll amongst Crowsnest
Pass citizens and taxpayers. The results of the poll are illuminating.
READ MORE:
RESULTS OF CROWSNEST PASS TAXPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION POLL, JANUARY 2025
1. Do you agree that Crowsnest Pass taxes are high?
100 % responded “yes”
2. Do you agree that Crowsnest Pass taxpayers have lost trust in our politicians
and administration?
100 % responded “yes”
3. Citizens indicate that there are concerns about the lack of transparency by
our local government.
100 % responded “yes”
4. Is there a need for CHANGE with our 2025 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
Government?
99% responded “yes”
5. The purpose of the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association is to inform
members of a better understanding for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
Operational and Capital budgets, property assessment, mill rate, as well as,
a better understanding for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass excessive
spending practices which has increased debt, increased borrowing and, in
turn, increased municipal taxes.
Do you feel that we (Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association) have been
helpful in this regard?
100 % responded “yes”
READ MORE:
Members also shared the following about worries, apprehensions, uneasiness,
misgivings and angst regarding ineffectual leadership in government and
administration, vain communication methods, and futile community engagement
practices. Voices are imminent about the need for change.
Lack of transparency by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council, Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer and Administration is a significant reason for concern;
There is an on-going lack of trust by citizens for the decisions being made by Council, CAO and Administration;
Citizens have lost confidence in their local government for ineffectual and lack of “common sense” decision- making;
Council, Mayor, CAO and Administration do not have a vested interest in the community and the people of the Crowsnest Pass but, instead, choose to lead with “self-interest;”
A sense that “conflicts of interest” within the local government impede neutrality in decisions being made and which do not best represent the community and its people;
Taxes are high and spending excessive with an on-going concern that residents will eventually be taxed out of their homes;
After 3 terms of office in government there has been no focus on growth but rather on bureaucracy;
Need for CHANGE is a high priority amongst residents and taxpayers;
More effective public engagement process regarding long-term/capital projects;
Desire for a future government with integrity - lack of trust is problematic;
Fiscal responsibility is an issue – eliminate the debt, stop excessive spending, manage necessities and lower taxes;
Need for on-going community engagement regarding land and development, informed citizens’ voice in budget decision-making and communication of a clear vision for growth;
More online presence for Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association ie online publications;
Increased taxes burden on people with fixed incomes;
CAO unable to fulfill his roles and responsibilities as a neutral body representing the people and council equally; ineffective communication skills; and unable to inform and educate the public about government legislation, the language used in bylaws and processes and procedures for bylaws;
Accessibility to government officials and administration to obtain information is challenging;
Permit process for building and removing structures is difficult, too restrictive and inefficient;
Improvement required regarding unbiased, honest, investigative reporting about bylaws, government, land development, vision, and development proposals backed by municipal government act by the local media and municipal website not on facebook;
Municipal website needs improvement – could be a better and more effective communication tool;