I think that the Jan. 7 front page news story requires a more detailed examination and answers to the following question.
Would the owner of the Central Avenue property be prepared to sell it for the current assessed value or if he were in fact successful in having his assessment lowered, the lower value? In a recent “straw” poll, I found no one in South Oak Bay, myself included, who was prepared to sell their property for the assessed value, because of the overwhelming opinion that their property values were considerably higher than the assessed value.
When one reviews their property assessment, my advice would be to apply the ‘acid test’ before contacting the B.C. Assessment Authority.
Bill Robertson
South Oak Bay