September 14, 2011
Town to look at rec
request
by Denise Walker
Laurentian Hills and Deep River have shared many services over the
years, including the landfill, mutual fire aid, economic development,
and recreation facilities.
The times, however, are a-changing.
Last month, Laurentian Hills Mayor Dick Rabishaw accepted a lunch
invitation from Deep River Mayor Dave Thompson.
Thompson raised with Rabishaw the high cost of maintaining big ticket
recreation facilities such as the pool and the arena.
The question for Laurentian Hills was whether they would be willing to
pay an increased share of the costs.
Last week, Rabishaw asked the recreation and community services
committee to look into the issue. He asked the committee to work with
town staff and bring a proposal back to council before the end of the
year.
“We’ll move forward based on your recommendations,” said Rabishaw.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Anne Giardini wanted to make sure everyone was
on the same page.
“Is this request for a response to recreation facilities a formal
request?” asked Giardini, noting that the town had received no other
information from Deep River.
Rabishaw was quick to answer that question.
“I consider the meeting and the paperwork I was given a formal
request,” said Rabishaw.
He went on to say he had made it clear to Thompson that he would be
contacting his staff and fellow councillors.
“I don’t believe in secrets,” he said.
“I am only one vote out of five, I will not keep my council in the
dark.”
Rabishaw said Thompson had also made it clear that Laurentian Hills
would not have to pay its $20,000 contribution for economic development
in 2012.
Rabishaw said, “He told me that Deep River will not be providing that
service next year.”
Rabishaw asked the planning and economic development committee to
confirm this at the next joint meeting.
Visitors’ centre in jeopardy
Another local area partnership is in jeopardy.
The community and social services committee said it had received formal
notice from Head, Clara & Maria (HCM) that they will no longer be
participating in the summer visitor centre at the Petawawa Forestry.
Laurentian Hills, Deep River, Petawawa and HCM agreed to jointly
operate the centre on Highway 17 when federal forestry cutbacks all but
shut down the forestry operation.
Mayor Rabishaw said that Deep River and Petawawa have not given formal
notice of withdrawal, but are considering it.
The operating agreement provides a 90-day notice period.
Rabishaw said, “We have just closed the 2011 season, so there’s no
urgency.”
Rabishaw did point out that going it alone was not an option. The town
pays $2,000 right now out of a cost of $20,000.
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