North Kawartha Council News

Courtesy of Doug Hutton

N.K. Public Library
To Spice Things Up
    A proposal for a "Nook", that serves coffee and tea, cookies and muffins provided by volunteers in the Apsley Library, received unanimous approval in principle. Apsley Lifelong Learning Centre Past Chairperson Sandy Zimmerman presented survey findings of 77 library users that showed 75% would enjoy a "Nook" to buy a drink and a muffin while browsing or reading. There will be no structural changes to the Library and the Historical Society exhibits, video and reference sections are likely to enjoy increased appreciation. Operating during regular Library hours, The Nook will be staffed by volunteers. Library Board has approved in principle and the Lifelong Learning Centre is anticipating revenues of approximately $3,000/year. The summer residents influx is not included in the estimate, nor is the possibility of expanding The Nook outdoors, with umbrellas, in the summer. The building is owned by the Township and it is understood that the next step is Health Unit approval.

Senior of the Year: Albert Trotter
Council was pleased to present the Senior of the Year Award to Albert Trotter. A long-time resident, Mr. Trotter is very active in the community especially with the ABC Seniors group and the Lions Club.

New Location for Construction Waste
CAO, Shannon Hunter, proposed that the council approve the purchase of “bunkers” for the Haltain transfer site. She explained that the waste disposal site on hwy 620 will close next July, and without an alternative, contractors and cottagers will have to transport their construction waste to Bensford Road in Peterborough. Tipping fees will still apply, as they would at Benford, but users will have less distance to travel. Council approved the $24,000 to purchase the containers.

Apsley Skating Club
Karen Challinor, President of the Apsley Skating Club explained the new format for the skating club that focuses on fun rather than competition. The club has reduced costs by cancelling its membership in Skate Canada, but still offers group and private lessons for ages 5 and under all the way up to 18+. Council stated that it strongly supports the skating club and assisted by waiving an $800 cost of the community centre for a fund-raising dance that was held a few months ago. Anyone interested in skating this winter should call Karen (613-337-5587) or Chris (705-656-1028) for more information.

Waterfront Taxation
By Reeve Jim Whelan

    Every property owner and specifically lake front owners has experienced a dramatic rise in assessment and therefore taxes in the past decade. This shift of assessment on waterfront property is occurring all across Ontario.

    Assessment in Ontario is done by “Municipal Property Assessment Corporation” MPAC a not-for-profit corporation funded by all Ontario municipalities.  Even though we supply the funding, we have no voice in the process of assessment or in any appeals.

    North Kawartha along with other Townships and the County of Peterborough has endorsed motions to have the process of assessments overhauled and have requested a more equitable way of providing property assessment other than market value. If the value of waterfront keeps climbing, so will the taxes.

     North Kawartha council recognizes the impact assessment has on properties.  While we do not want to cut services, we are trying to maintain and keep the tax rate increases to a minimum.

    We just received word from MPAC that there will be no assessment increases this year unless the property has undergone a change.

    Having one year without an assessment increase will be a first step and all concerned cottage owners could join a subcommittee of the “Federation of Cottage Assns.” FOCA called wraft “waterfront ratepayers after fair taxation.” wraft@sympatico.ca  contact: Bob Topp.

    This is also the successor to the Muskoka Fair Tax Coalition which they are now taking Province wide.  They also have a web site at www.wraft.com  that has all the details.

    As I said this is a Province wide problem, we are addressing it at the Township and County levels, but FOCA has a very strong voice with the Provincial Government and making your voice heard is imperative.