November 9, 2011
No more money for
recreation
by Denise Walker
Laurentian Hills is not willing to contribute any extra funds towards
the costs of recreation facilities in Deep River.
The issue was thrashed out at last week’s committee meetings.
Councillor John Hoyle, chair of the community and social services
committee, said that, after hearing from many residents, the committee
could not recommend paying additional funds to the town of Deep River.
“Residents don’t want tax dollars going to facilities in Deep River,”
he said, adding “the facilities are used by about 10% of Laurentian
Hills residents - the rest don’t use them.”
Having ruled out any increase, Mayor Dick Rabishaw raised the question
of whether the town should continue to make any contribution.
Under the current arrangements, which began in 2004, the town pays Deep
River a “non-resident surcharge” of $5,657.
The surcharge increases 3% each year.
Rabishaw called the surcharge “obsolete,” pointing out that residents
could now get provincial and federal tax breaks for children’s
recreation.
Deputy Mayor Anne Giardini partly agreed with the mayor.
“It’s convenient that residents can use facilities in Deep River, but
most residents do not want to put in extra money, even if some
individuals end up paying more,” she said.
Giardini, however, was in favour of keeping the current arrangement in
place as a benefit to the town’s children.
In a split decision, the committee narrowly agreed that they would
offer to continue to pay the current surcharge, effectively tossing the
ball back to Deep River.
There was one olive branch. Deputy Mayor Giardini said the committee
was willing to sit down and discuss the situation with Deep River
councillors.
“The door is always open,” she said.
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