Brock Council voices opposition to cuts in rural mail delivery

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Concern for the future of rural mail delivery has prompted Brock Council to take a stand, in defence of local postal services.

At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously passed a resolution, urging the federal government and Canada Post to protect rural post offices and mail delivery routes, stressing their importance as a vital communications link, for residents and businesses across the township.

The resolution which was introduced by, Regional Councillor, Cria Pettingill and seconded by Councillor Angela Canavan, underscores the essential role Canada Post plays in Brock’s daily life. Covering 422 square kilometres and home to nearly 13,000 residents, the township depends on its postal network to connect its hamlets and three main villages.

Council’s motion emphasized, local branches and rural mail delivery are critical for residents and for municipal operations, supporting the distribution of property tax bills, permits, planning notices, legal documents, and emergency communications. Any reduction in service, the resolution warns, could create logistical challenges, increase costs, and delay essential correspondence.

“The closure of any Canada Post branch or the removal of rural delivery would hit small businesses, seniors, and those without reliable transportation the hardest,” said Councillor Pettingill during the discussion. “It’s not just about convenience, it’s about equitable access to essential services.”

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the timing of the motion reflects growing concern as Canada Post undertakes a national review of its operations.

“It’s important we keep advocating the importance of keeping our post offices, and rural post delivery, in the Township of Brock,” said Mayor Jubb. “With a review currently occurring, we wanted to ensure our voices are heard, and the upper levels of government understand our needs for Brock.”

The resolution formally opposes any move to close or downsize local post offices or eliminate rural mail delivery within the township. It also calls on the federal government and Canada Post to make service continuity a top priority, in any modernization plans, and requests no service reductions occur, without full public consultation and a comprehensive impact assessment.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the Minister responsible for Canada Post, local Members of Parliament, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, to encourage wider advocacy on the issue.