The Beaconsfield Citizens Association (BCA)

NEWS AND EVENTS

 

Letter by former long-time Beaconsfield Mayor and current BCA member Mr. Edwin Briggs on the Beaconsfield Library Project

The recent report of the proposal by the Beaconsfield Council, to replace the existing library and to erect a new library building, in order to create additional office space, is certainly open to very serious question.

Apparently, so it has been implied, there is a need for additional area for the City administration! For what purpose, for whom, and what is the real justification and cost benefit? The population of Beaconsfield has remained basically static for the past 25 plus years, in fact it has decreased by about 5%. The increase in kilometres of public roads during this period is a minimum. A relatively insignificant number of new homes have been added during this time, as the City is virtually fully developed. Certain essential services previously administered by the City are now the purview of the Agglomeration Committee, who recently added fire protection to the list. So why the need for additional administrative space?

The statement that "the project is essentially free" is astounding. The Council apparently hopes to acquire funding for $4 plus million, either by Government Grants and/or Corporate funds. Nothing is 'Free'. Government funds are Public moneys (you & me) - there is no such thing as 'Free Money'.

With so many current serious public funding problems, principally for overpasses, highways & road, bridges, hospitals and medical services, etc., it is inconceivable that the Government or other body, would consider this kind of money for a non-essential project to embellish existing facilities or financing unneeded office expansion when there are other more practical alternatives. We hope our Public is not that naïve.

Realistically, an estimated annual cost to finance this $4 million project over a period of, say 20 years at 5%, would not only amount to approximately $300,000 but increase our public debt.

Beaconsfield, by choice, is predominantly a residential community, without industrial support, and with only a modest commercial base. As a consequence with the present comparatively high residential taxes, our tax rates are very sensitive to any increase in Municipal spending, and thus almost 100% an additional residential burden.

Could and should our money be better administered and utilized?

Respectfully,

Edwin M. Briggs, FCA

 

2008-06-03 BCA Letter to Council: Batshaw Recreational Facility Project
2008-04-02 West Island Cities 2008 Average Tax Comparison Chart
2008-03-28 BCA Meet and Greet Event
2008-02-25 BCA Letter: Beaconsfield Volunteer Rescue Squad
2008-02-25 BCA Letter: New library

BEACONSFIELD BUDGET 2008

BEACONSFIELD LEGER MARKETING SURVEY QUESTIONS (2007)

BILL 22

OPEN LETTER TO COUNCIL (2007)

2007-12-07 Open letter to council (re: discontent site)

YACHT CLUBS (2007-2008)

HERITAGE HOMES BYLAW (2007)

2007-05-25 BCA Letter: Heritage homes bylaw


MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT (2007)

2007-03-23 Des questions et des réponses: débat des candidats dans Jacques-Cartier (Cités Nouvelles)
2007-03-22 Voters, rivals take aim at Liberal record during debate (The Chronicle)


PROPOSED MAYOR AND COUNCIL SALARY INCREASE (2007)

 

 

2007 BEACONSFIELD BUDGET CONSULTATION



Gary Wells presents BCA's proposal to council

 

Watch on CFCF (CTV) Montreal
Listen on the radio (CJAD 800 & other)


Documents: Budget 2007 - Residents and Associations presentations
  BCA Brief - 2007 Budget
  BCA Brief - 2006 Budget




2006-12-01 Beaconsfield CONTACT December 2006 (See/Voir p.3)
2006-11-16 Budget consultation draws crowd (The Gazette, West Island)
2006-11-15 Taxpayers let council have it (The Chronicle)
2006-11-15 Budget a bomb: residents (The Suburban)

 


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