COLLEEN GREEN The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: Local residents were well represented at a Public Meeting held on Thursday, February 1st, at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre. Members of the public were invited to come up and speak about matters of concern to our local community.
Several people passionately discussed the need to keep large corporations from swallowing up prime agricultural farmland for housing developments. More than one first-hand account was presented where such developments in nearby regions have left these communities with health issues due to inadequate sewage.
Other concerns included rural zoning restrictions, strong mayoral powers and taxation without consultation.
A petition was also presented to lobby the provincial government to allow residents to allocate where the education portion of their property tax is directed.
The community expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to be heard and for a forum to discuss issues to implement solutions.
The organizer also hosted a similar meeting in Manilla on Tuesday, February 6th.