If you're not familiar with the zoning memorandum issue brewing at City Hall, here is a good Free Press story on how it'll work.

In a nutshell, the City wants everyone buying a home in Winnipeg to have to hire a licensed surveyor to assess the property (about $500) and then purchase a zoning certificate from the City ($180). By doing this, the City will find out which homes have decks without permits, air conditioners that don't comply properly with zoning regulations, fences that are on city property (or a neighbor's) and a whole host of other nickel and dime problems.

While the city is spinning the initiative as a "consumer protection" measure, it's nothing short of a cash grab and an encroachment of the state. Here is an open letter that was sent by the CTF to members of Winnipeg's City Council on the matter:

Dear Members of Council,
 
On behalf of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), I would ask you to consider our comments on the proposal to require homebuyers to purchase zoning memorandums for  home sales in Winnipeg.
 
To begin, the CTF does not support the zoning memorandum proposal as it is a costly and unnecessary encroachment of the state.
 
In fact, it appears that most Winnipeggers do not believe it is necessary. As you are aware, homebuyers currently have the option of choosing the zoning memorandum option before council. However, according to City of Winnipeg officials, only one in five Winnipeggers currently pursues it. That is a clear indication of Winnipeggers voting with their wallets.
 
While no one would deny that some homebuyers have been disappointed by their purchases in the past, many have not been. Forcing everyone to spend an additional $680 during the purchase of their next home unfairly penalizes those who wish to pursue other methods for protecting themselves.
 
For example, many homebuyers currently purchase land title insurance – something which is often less costlier than the requirement before council, yet is more comprehensive. Other consumers choose to do their own home inspections while some are comfortable with doing nothing.
 
While it is benevolent of the city to wish to protect consumers, citizens should continue to have the right to decide how they wish to protect themselves.
 
Perhaps a less intrusive solution for members of council - who are deeply worried about this issue - would be to communicate the options available in their next newsletter. That would help educate consumers as to the options available to them without penalizing taxpayers.
 
Again, thank you for considering the CTF’s position on this issue.
 
Sincerely,

Colin Craig
Prairie Director
Canadian Taxpayers Federation