Some residents of Queens County are not in favour of raising taxes to keep the doors of a local community hall open.
The municipality indicates 223 people in District 7 voted on a request to increase the area rate by four cents per 100 dollars of assessment to help the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre.
Overwhelmingly, 192 voted against the proposal to raise taxes on Wednesday, March 3.
Region of Queens Mayor Darlene Norman says community halls require support but it’s clear residents in the district are not in favour of raising taxes as a means to keep the hall open.
“Community halls are the backbone of the 53 communities within Queens and they require support from those who live within their area. Volunteers are required to assume the responsibilities as board and committee members. Help is also needed to organize, work at and attend events and fundraisers. The donation of money, when one is able, is also important. All of these things are required to keep any community hall operational,” Norman said. “Yesterday saw a plea for help from the board of Seaside Centre, as illustrated by their request for an area rate. While the outcome of the vote was not what the group wished for, it is a clear indication that people in the area are unwilling to use area rates as a method to keep this hall operating.”
The results of the vote are non-binding and the matter will now come before council prior to the upcoming budget.
“It is my hope that people in the community who do believe in the benefits of maintaining a community centre will make themselves known. Seaside Centre is a beautiful community centre that has seen intensive improvements since its day as District #7 Consolidated School thanks to the hard work of present and past volunteers.” Norman said. “Seaside is at a crucial point and needs your help.”
District 7 in the Region of Queens represents residents living in Beach Meadows, Eagle Head, East Berlin, West Berlin, and Port Medway.
