Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Meaford Questions Rec Centre

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Meaford
by Maggie Clegg    

Meaford is balking at joining the Steering Committee for the new regional recreation complex in Owen Sound.

An invitation to join the Regional Recreation Centre Steering Committee has brought up many concerns around the Meaford council table.

Councillors Harley Greenfield and Gerald Shortt say the municipality is in no position to contribute to the project financially.

They add that joining the committee may be leading the other members on to think a donation would be forthcoming.

But Councillor Cynthia Lemon says the invitation does not come with an invoice attached.

She says whichever Meaford councillor sat on the committee would simply need to remind the other members of the financial situation facing the municipality.

Lemon also feels Meaford has a responsibility to join the committee.

She says a significant portion of the community will use the facility and they need to have a voice at the table.

Finances weren't the only concerns raised by councillors.

Councillor Jim McPherson would like to know if some sort of transportation system would be part of the considerations so that everyone has equal access.

Deputy Mayor Michael Traynor wants more clarification on the 'regional' aspect of the facility and whether other local communities will be asked to participate as well.

Georgian Bluffs recently appointed Councillor Ryan Thompson to the committee and the township is said to be considering a financial contribution to the project.

With all these concerns raised, Meaford council decided to send their own invitation back to the Regional Recreation Centre Steering Committee.

They would like the committee to appear before council to answer their questions before they make their decision.