There are some things I never had to consider when I was a kid: Getting enough iron in my diet, filing my taxes, the list goes on, and it includes which town facility should close its doors.
And, this is one of the things we may have to think about if rural residents don’t vote “yes” on the Proposed Core Services Contribution Referendum on October 20.
Since there is no election in Area A this year, everyone should be focusing on getting informed to make the right decision on October 20. And, just because there isn’t an election, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out and cast your ballot.
This important decision will shape our community. Even if you have never been to the pool, or you’re not interested in sports, or you have no interest in arts and culture, or soup days and bingo, someone is.
Your neighbour’s chillden take swimming lessons in the summer. Your friend down the street attended the job fair at the senior’s centre while looking for employment. The list of how these facilities affect all of us goes on and on.
Some towns and citieshave changed the way they charge their residents to use facilities, like the pool, with different prices depending on where you’re from. This is one way of going about helping with the operational cost of these facilities, but it isn’t fluent. So many public events are hosted at these places, it would be impossible to get everyone to throw in some money every time they went through the doors.
The most efficient way for us to ensure these facilities continue to operate they way they have been is to have everyone in the surrounding area pay into them. This translates to an average of less than $30 per year from Area A residents. The cost of a takeout coffee once a month. Treat yourself and treat others to continued quality of life.
The Town has been sturggling to operate these facilities, and a little boost from the neighbours could make sure they stay open. It could potentially lead to more services for the community as a whole.
Let’s make sure the kids in the community get to use these facilities, too. They shouldn’t have to worry about if their pool will continue to hold water, or if play and excercise will be available at the Rec Plex, or if the Snow King won’t have a home anymore.
The decisions Area A makes will have an affect on the generations to come.
