To the Editor,
I believe that Meaford council has taken an unfortunate first step toward future financial assistance to the new Owen Sound recreational complex. The appointment of Mayor Richardson to the steering committee is this step.
In my opinion, this is regrettable from several angles:
-Mayor Richardson was quoted as intending to be another voice "advocating for the cost of construction to be reasonable.” Such hubris. This is the business of the Owen Sound council and the ratepayers of that city....who are paying toward it.
-The new recreation centre is to be a fee-for-use facility. That means people from Meaford who want to use it, pay for that privilege themselves, and pay a price that the owner/proprietor deems equitable. The owner/proprietor will be Owen Sound. The "significant number" of Meaford residents who use the present Y facility, or may use the new facility is meaningless, due to the user-pay structure.
-Plenty of people from Meaford go to the Lumley Bayshore for shows and Attack games, but so far no one has suggested that Meaford taxpayers should help pay for future roof repairs there. Many Meaford residents frequently shop in Owen Sound. No one has yet suggested our ratepayers kick in something toward Owen Sound's road repairs or winter snowplowing.
-Mayor Richardson was quoted as saying Meaford might be willing to discuss helping Owen Sound with operating costs "when that time comes". It might be salient to point out to the mayor that operating costs start as soon as the facility opens. The mayor does not have the authority to open the door to Meaford participation in operating costs. The admission fees will be set and probably adjusted annually, to cover operating costs.
This whole situation has potential to be another issue like our library "deal" with Owen Sound. The many subsidizing the few.
This is wrong.
Candidates in the next Municipal election should be asked point-blank if they will consider spending our current or future tax dollars on any other municipalities' recreation facilities.
I will only vote for those who refuse to do so.
Mike Robertson, Meaford
