Calgary’s Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services is recommending a special tax on residents in the northwest community of Edgemont.
The LEAF tax is a $84 yearly increase and includes extra mowing, trimming planting and maintenance of flowers, litter and snow removal.
“When you come into Edgemont, even though it’s not looking that bad it could use some improvement,” resident Tom Williams said. “We’re hoping to see some flower pots and flowers, less dandelions along the boulevards and better grooming around the tree wells so they’re able to retain water – just an overall improvement.”
There are similar programs already in place in communities like the Hamptons and Scenic Acres.
It was a split vote, but in the end the committee voted in favour of lobbyists who had collected signatures from two thirds of eligible homeowners.
“This is democracy at its finest,” said ward councillor Sean Chu. “When the majority has spoken, who am I to say no?”
A group of residents speaking against the tax suggested that many homeowners can’t afford the increase in the midst of an economic downturn.
The city is conducting a review of the entire program that allows communities to petition for improvements like the LEAF tax.
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