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So why is the road maintenance budget not being used to maintain the ditches along roads and culverts under roads? And why should rural landowners be taxed for a government service in urban Ottawa which they don’t need, don’t use and don’t want? Many urban residents may have disconnected their downspouts in order to water their lawns with rainwater, but they’ll have to pay too.

I think most people will find this a little strange.

To the city’s credit, the consultation has been thorough. City officials even delayed the final report and allowed more than the usual time of one week for the public to review it and weigh in. But the feedback from rural residents was overwhelmingly that the cost of maintaining roads, ditches and culverts belongs to the roads budget and that the city should live within its means.

And yet the City of Ottawa environment committee will meet Oct. 18 to discuss this “rain tax.”

The rain tax is yet more proof that governments just never seem to have enough of your money. They’ll do whatever they can to get it too – especially when they’re trying to make up for their own irresponsible spending. The sad fact of the matter is that governments always seem have plenty of your money for insiders or pet projects, but they can’t be bothered to spend within their means. Just look at the provincial Liberal government to see what I mean.

My point is this: If governments have enough money to pay for those bills and subsidies, why can’t they afford to pay for our water system? Or at least use our taxes for reasons that we pay them. Government at all levels needs to spend more prudently, and to use taxpayers’ money with greater respect.

So I call on all Ottawa residents to write to their city councillor. And if you can, attend the environmental committee meeting and make yourself heard.

If the rain becomes fair game for tax schemes, will the sun be next?

We just can’t afford it.

Jack MacLaren is the Progressive Conservative MPP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills.