Review-Mirror

By Howie Crichton The Review-Mirror Westport water and sewer users will pay 15.7 per cent more in 2017. Westport Council approved the 2017 rates Monday after a public meeting that will see monthly bills rise to $164 a month, up from $141. Faced with annual deficits for several years now, and rates that have lurched back and forth between years of 0 per cent increases and a 5-year stretch of double digit increases, the municipality is facing the bottom line. About 15 people attended the meeting where the current state of affairs was laid out. For 2016, the system is projected to have a $161,000 deficit with $128,000 being covered by new long-term debt and the rest by a roughly $100 levy on each of the sys- tems 308 users. "We have to pay our bills, we can't go into more long-term debt because we didn't get it right at budget time and that's what has happened. "It has been going on for years and we have to get our house in order," By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror A Council and Ward Structure Review of the Township of Rideau Lakes has proposed amalgamat- ing Newboro into the North Crosby Ward and introduces the option to elect some councilors at large. Consultants John Math- eson and Mike Varie of StrategyCorp presented their report at a special council meeting held on Monday evening at the Portland Community Hall. The report was devel- oped through public con- sultation which included around 200 responses to an online and paper survey which addressed the key questions of at large ver- sus ward representation, the size of council and ward boundaries. Their recommendations were balanced by princi- ples of communities of interest and representation by population and popula- tion trends. Council's final choice, if any, for a change in ward boundaries and council structure has the potential to be challenged at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) if a case couldn't be made for effective representation. "We're to think not just of today but where the municipality is going to be in 20 years," said Mathe- son. He acknowledged that existing communities are an important element in choosing an option. "History is a big part of Rideau Lakes and that came through loud and clear in the consultation," he said. The survey included four elements for residents to consider including the size of council, the method of choosing a council (ward vs. at large repre- sentation), the number of wards and what bound- aries should the wards have. The preferred option of the consultants is a seven member council made up of four councilors elected by four wards which would amalgamate New- boro into North Crosby. The remaining two coun- cilors would be elected at- large, like the mayor. The report outlines the advantage of the system which includes an accept- able range of population size differences, a respect for pre-amalgamation boundaries and the oppor- tunity for at-large popula- tions to represent dis- persed communities of interest, including water- front or village residents. A second option would be status quo with the Mirror The Review Thursday, November 17, 2016 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 125, No. 46 $1 incl. tax Canada Post Contract No. 40021501 Report also suggests reducing council to seven with two at-large councillors Recommendation folding Newboro into North Crosby Wally Martin lays a wreath during Remembrance Day ceremonies in Westport Friday. 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 43 Bedford St., Westport 613-273-8848 soho@rideau.net Get your Don't go viral. eet (613) 273-2922 h Str c 3 Chur .A. estport Village I.D W Public Health *Source: r u shot. Agency of Canada ublic Health al.ca vir dontgo •Continued on page 3 •Continued on page 3 Christine Jennings, Owner 20 Whelan St., Westport, Ontario 613-273-9800 Full Service Dog Grooming Salon Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin duncan s TV & APPLIANCES 16 cu. ft. Chest Freezer •Lift Handle Organization Basket •Power-On Light •LED Lighting •Lock Model #FFFC16M5QW 13 cu. ft. Upright Freezer •Incandescent Lighting •Manual defrost •Textured Doors •Door Racks •Wire Shelves Model #FFFV13M1QW Continuing a 30 year tradition serving North Leeds - Delivery & Set Up Available FALL FREEZER SALE Reg. $749.95 $ 699 95 Reg. $799.95 $ 699 95 Lyndhurst Santa Claus Parade this Saturday The first in a calendar of Santa Claus parades in North Leeds takes place this Saturday with an afternoon event in Lynd- hurst. Organizers are encour- aging groups, families, and businesses to enter a float in the parade. Line up for parade entrants is at the old school grounds on Oakel Street beginning at 12:30.The parade winds its way through the village beginning at 2:00 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded in six categories including: business, out- of-town business, private, organization, out-of-town organization, horses. The parade is a major effort for the volunteers who need to raise $3,000 to put on the event to pay for insurance, prizes and refreshments for parade participants, and other expenses. Children will have an opportunity to meet Santa Claus after the parade at the library. Donations will be collected for the local food bank. For more information please contact Terri Daw- son at 613 928 1196 or Velma Kelsey at 928- 2786. Water & sewer rates to go up 15.7%

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