Don’t wait to voice your opinion about the upcoming budget
Editor:
The Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin October 28, 2016 page A7 states the Creemore Arena could be on the block.
I wonder how many people are aware that our township is once again trying to shaft Creemore.
Creemore as its own municipality always functioned well, using few outside support monies, to become a viable village. Could possible budget cuts come from salaries of township staff as people on a sunshine list do not belong in farm based communities where locals struggle under township laws to make ends meet. This could prevent the 2017 budget 1.75 per cent tax rate increase and the 2018 of 2.42 per cent proposed increase.
Many other things are slated for elimination, what will be next?
I as a citizen from Creemore and surrounding area know how hard it was for the people that went door to door working very hard to put an arena in this village, to keep our children occupied and give the community a place to grow. Many outside groups who use our facilities as recreational hockey clubs have very hard times getting ice time in other arenas. Curling clubs, broom ball teams and figure skating all use this facility. The projected 2017 arena expenses for upgrades (Stayner $100,000, Creemore $57,000 ) of which half will come from reserves and half from taxation. If Stayner wanted to keep things local why are they sending bussed transit to Wasaga Beach instead of trying to support their own community stores. Should Creemore and New Lowell and Nottawa not also be made accessible to these services as our tax dollars will surely go to help cover the costs.
Seniors and community members need transportation to be able to access medical appointments, and services not supported in their own community. I also do not believe the new library for Stayner belongs on the far edge of town where seniors and children cannot easily access them.
Today’s children use more computers then they do books, so are the funds ($90,000) being used appropriately for today`s needs?
Where does our local councillor stand on these very important issues. Is there still so much animosity between the two towns that we are willing to sell out. Could this mean our local school will be next?
The next step in the budget process is a public meeting to be held Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Clearview Administration Centre followed by the second one on Nov. 28 at 1:30 p.m. with the final to be approved at the April/May council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Please don’t wait until there is no time to voice your opinions. Speak up now, it is time.
Pauline MacIntosh,
Creemore.
