Among the latest issues causing tension between Alberta and B.C. is the proposed speculation tax.
The 2018 B.C. Budget introduced a 2% speculation tax that will impact vacation and future retirement homes in only a few cities across B.C., including Kelowna and West Kelowna.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran is part of a groundswell of opposition, saying the tax meant to target speculators will instead hurt owners of vacation homes.
Now a petition started recently has already collected over 4,500 signatures from residents of Alberta and B.C. who disagree with the proposed tax.
"I am what is referred to below as a Satellite Family. I am currently an Alberta resident but I have owned property in BC as a vacation home since 2006. I consider the Okanagan home," reads the petition. "We will retire there in a few short years. We are residents, not speculators."
The petition goes on to explain how, as the owners of a vacation home and soon to be retirement home, the family spends thousands every year in the Okanagan at resturants, wineries, Canadian Tire and Home Depot.
If you're interested in learning more or signing the petition, click here.
Both West Kelowna and Kelowna city council have said they are gathering information and holding meetings with the business community to discuss alternatives to the tax they can suggest to the province.
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