Feature Article September 18, 2002
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Community Hall debate splits councilby Jeff Green Throughout this second council of the amalgamated township of Central Frontenac, cordiality has been the rule rather than the exception, and for the most part councillors from the four former districts have been viewing issues from a township-wide perspective. Until they come to discussing user fees for the township halls, that is.
The matter has been under consideration by the township since April of last year. Earlier this year, a council committee failed to come to consensus on the issue of hall rental fees, and had sent the matter to the clerk. At the council meeting on Monday, September 9, in Mountain Grove, a report by the township clerk brought the matter of hall rentals back to council.
The ensuing debate pitted representatives from Kennebec against most of the other councillors. Councillor Boyce Peters of Hinchinbrooke district took a look at a usage report for the halls, and pointed to the Kennebec Hall, saying, It says here that the hall was used a total of 243 days last year, and only for 33 of those days was any money paid - for a total of $660 in revenue. To me, the hall is being used too much for free.
Councillor Marsden Kirk was unconcerned by the number of free days, saying, We are willing to put money into the pot for economic development, but the retirees that use the halls are our strongest sector in terms of economic development. You can look at our costs and say that they are too high, but theyre nothing compared to what the seniors bring in to the township as a whole.
The suggestion was put forward by councillor Frances Smith, Oso district, that as a minimum, participants in events held in township halls be asked to pay one dollar each time they use the hall.
Again, Marsden Kirk argued the point. If youre going to have user pay, he said, lets look at other recreational facilities as well. Lets look at our beaches and tennis courts. Shouldnt we have user pay for all facilities?
Deputy Mayor Jack Nicolson, who also represents Kennebec, then chimed in, I dont think you mentioned the rinks. Are you going to charge everyone who goes for a skate a buck?
Olden Councillor Elva Price took exception to the points made by Kirk and Nicolson, saying, the rinks and ball fields and beaches are all our kids have out here. We cant go charging them for each use. The Halls are used mainly by seniors, who can afford a dollar.
The Kennebec Hall is not the only one under question. The Oso Hall is used for bingo by the Sharbot Lake Lions Club each Tuesday. Council decided last year to charge $25 per use. The regular rate is $40 as of late last year, but township clerk Heather Fox reports that no money has been received yet.
Various ideas were floated about setting up a consistent policy, including creating an hourly rate for groups who use halls for only one or two hours.
The majority of council seems to favour creating a policy which will not favour one group over another, and which will involve similar fees being paid in all the townships halls. It seems difficult, however, to trample on historical deals which go back to pre-amalgamation days. Township Halls are remaining symbols of the old townships and that is why they are about the last aspect of amalgamation to be pursued by Central Frontenac Council. Judging by the debate on the issue last week, a comprehensive hall rental bylaw that applies throughout the township will not be easily accomplished.
