June 26, 2007
Blogs, Nova Scotia

Property value

There seems to be a misunderstanding about what is meant by property value.

There is the absolute dollars value of a property. There is irrefutable proof that one property sale worth $230,00 has fallen through directly because of the proposed wind energy project. This matter is now in the hands of the lawyers.

The only MLS listed property sale on the Gulf Shore since this project became known about sold at 30% less than the assessed value. Sales have been made elsewhere in the County, but not on the Shore.

There are at least seven property owners who have canceled or indefinitely postponed plans to build because of the project.

These numbers are the truth. If this happened anywhere else, not just in this area, there would be ans should be a public outcry. That is part of our complaint and our outcry.

The other, as important, parts of property value cannot be measured empirically.

This is the viewscapes, the peace and quiet and beauty.

There is the tradition – for multi generational residents and long time cottagers alike. There are some cottage areas where siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles have developed little family communities. People are retiring into these communities.

Visitors come to our homes and cottagers and rave about how delightful this area is. We take pride in that.

People like myself who have moved into the area did so for a reason. We were drawn to the area for these values.

I value the landscape, the neighbours, the wildlife, the farms, the warm waters and sandy beaches.

These are rarities in this ever busier 21st century life. They should be protected as they become more valuable.

If it is greedy of me to protect my lifestyle, so be it. Please do not accuse me or anyone else of greed just for wanting to protect what they have worked so hard for. No one anywhere, cottage country or not, would appreciate someone coming into their community and devalue their property.

We do not appreciate big money companies coming into our area, messing with our lifestyle, local economy and health, make a big bunch of money for themselves and leave.

That’s greed, my friend.

David Suzuki agrees with us. Big time!

Oh, did I forget to mention that Canada’s greatest single environmentalist is opposed to this particular project?

Dr Suzuki is very much for wind energy, although has concerns about bird mortality. What he very much opposes about them is when projects are in the hands of companies, financially benefiting very few. He opposes loss of lifestyle for any industrial project like this.

Pretty much our point of view too!

Pugwash Windfarm

24 June 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/26/property-value/