Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette is worried about increased rates in for commercial crown use leases (File Photo/larongeNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Crown Lands

Some concerned as fees for Crown land increase

Apr 10, 2019 | 4:57 PM

Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette is raising some concerns about recent rate hikes for Crown land usage.

The rate hikes are for people and businesses using Crown-owned land for commercial purposes.

Vermette told paNOW he heard from a number of people concerned about the increase.

“We’ve heard of one small business really concerned about the amount — a 500 per cent increase on lease fees for their gravel pit,” he said.

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

15h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

16h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

19h ago

Vermette added other people have contacted his office with concerns about their rate increases, with some reporting increases ranging from 400 to 600 per cent.

“You’ve got a government who talks about a balanced budget, give me a break, I think they’re looking for dollars wherever they can find and just seeing what they’re doing at 500 per cent increase… 400 per cent,” he said.

Vermette brought up Cumberland’s Carriere family which received notice their rates will be going up by as much as 600 per cent. Vermette explained the family was living off the land for generations and have been able to make some money by taking people out on the land, and the changes seriously affects their business and way of life.

“I am hoping that this isn’t trying to get traditional people, users of the land off the land for government to do what they want,” he said.

The Cumberland MLA said he is going to asking Environment Minister Dustin Duncan some questions about how the issue has been handled on their end and why the increases were handled in this manner.

“Why didn’t you phase this [increase] in?” Vermette said.

In an email, the Ministry of Environment said fees had not been increased in 12 years and the government is adjusting the fees to make sure the public gets proper value. They added those using land for traditional uses will not have to pay fees.

The ministry said when it comes to calculating how much to charge for leases they rely on consultants reports to arrive at what is fair market value. They added in 2017 a survey was circulated to the public which indicated strong support for changes.

Leases for those using Crown land for recreational purposes will not be going up and the government said rates for some may actually decrease.

Garry Thompson, who has worked as an outfitter in the La Ronge area said such high increases would make it difficult for people working in the outfitting business, especially smaller players.

“Sometimes it’s hard enough for these guys to do it and make a profit,” he said.

Thompson said if outfitters are forced to raise their rates as a result of increased lease rates, the overall economy in a place like La Ronge could be affected.

“It’s going to be a tough one,” he said.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn