GORDON/BARRIE ISLAND—Until an actual meeting takes place with the Town of Gore Bay on its proposal to amalgamate with neighbouring Western Manitoulin municipalities it is hard to react as a township, said Gordon/Barrie Island Reeve Lee Hayden at a council meeting last week. But at this point he feels while the township will listen to what the town is proposing, he doesn’t feel the amalgamation will include the township at least at this point.
“I just want to make sure everyone is aware what is in the newspaper, that we haven’t been approached officially about amalgamating, so I don’t know how to react,” said Reeve Lee Hayden. “We have the view of many residents, and council will be clear at any meeting to take place with mayors, reeves and councillors of our neighbouring communities. We will listen to a proposal at any meeting to take place, but don’t see this going further on our part unless there are extenuating circumstances.”
“I asked that we put this item on our agenda,” said Reeve Hayden explaining, “Frances Hore is here tonight and will be providing some information on a petition she has drafted.”
“She wanted to give council a feeling of what taxpayers opinion are about the proposal for amalgamation,” said Carrie Lewis, CAO/Clerk of the municipality.
Ms. Hore has visited many households in Gordon/Barrie Island and has 221 signatures on a petition, with 211 in opposition to Gordon/Barrie Island amalgamating with the town of Gore Bay, three in favour of amalgamation and seven undecided.
“I saw in the paper that Gore Bay said it wouldn’t be annexing anyone’s property,” said Councillor Cameron Runnalls.
“That would be an ugly situation if that occurred,” said Reeve Hayden.
“There is a lot of that going on in other places,” said Ms. Lewis, noting “In Frances’ visit to ratepayers, the vast majority wanted council to know that they oppose amalgamation.”
“When your survey is complete, we would be interested in seeing what the final numbers are,” said Reeve Hayden. “For now, we will wait until we are approached by Gore Bay on a meeting and see what happens.”
Ms. Hore petition states, “Whereas it was noted in The Manitoulin Expositor that the Town of Gore Bay Council (are considering) giving a directive to their mayor to review the opportunity for amalgamation with the municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island, the township of Billings (as well as Burpee and Mills). And whereas the quote was noted from Gore Bay Councillor Dan Osborne that the (Doug) Ford (Ontario) government may look at Ontario municipal amalgamations. Therefore, be it resolved that the ratepayers of the municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island are pleased with the administration and governance of the municipality as it is now. And further that there is a proven track record of financial responsibility and transparency; And further it is researched that the Ford government, since 2019 has stated that Ontario municipalities will not be forced to look at amalgamations; And further researched that (amalgamation) has not been proven to be a cost savings, but yet more costly (Fraser Institute).”
“And further the Town of Gore Bay may need help but are they fiscally responsible to provide cost savings and to not put an undue burden on the ratepayers. Therefore, be it resolved that the property owners in this municipality would like to present this petition for the purpose of expressing how they feel about the proposal from the Town of Gore Bay; which is they are not in favour of an amalgamation with the town of Gore Bay.”
