Richmond County wants Nova Scotia’s post-fire assessment relief to extend provincewide

Sheldon Taylor of L’Ardoise, N.S., experienced a devastating loss shortly after Christmas when his house burned down while he was out checking his coyote traps. The fire, determined to be accidental, left Taylor homeless and in need of support.

While the fire that consumed Taylor’s residence was not on the same scale as the 2023 wildfires that ravaged Shelburne County and the Upper Tantallon area, it still had a significant impact on him. Richmond County council is advocating for provincial measures, similar to those introduced for victims of the 2023 wildfires, to extend across Nova Scotia to assist individuals like Taylor.

In January, the provincial government announced that properties rebuilt “substantially similar to their pre-wildfire condition” would not see an increase in their capped assessed value. Richmond County Deputy Warden Brent Sampson, who represents Taylor as one of his constituents, supports this initiative but believes that more can be done to help individuals like Taylor who have suffered such losses.

Sampson expressed concerns about municipalities benefiting from individuals’ misfortunes and emphasized the need for support in these difficult situations. His motion to approach the province received unanimous approval at a recent meeting of Richmond County’s committee of the whole.

While Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr sympathizes with Taylor and others who have lost their homes to fires, he stated that the cases in Upper Tantallon and Shelburne County required specific attention due to the large-scale impact on the communities. However, Lohr confirmed that municipalities like Richmond County can request a reassessment of a property when the owner loses their home.

In response to Taylor’s tragic loss, contractor Charlie Martell initiated a call to action on Facebook, rallying for donations of materials and labor to help rebuild Taylor’s home. Thanks to the community’s generosity, Taylor is expected to move into his new house in the coming weeks.

The rebuilding effort in L’Ardoise showcases the strength and unity of the community in times of adversity. While awaiting a response from the province regarding additional support, the residents are coming together to aid their neighbor in need. It is a heartwarming display of compassion and solidarity during a challenging time.