Township council has agreed to waive the rental fee for use of the Maryborough Community Centre by an organization opposing a potential wind power project in the area.
Concerned Citizens of Wallace and Mapleton asked council to waive the $225 fee for a Sept. 6 public information meeting the group hosted at the Moorefield hall.
“This would be very beneficial as we don’t have a budget and are out of pocket for signs, hall rentals, printing fees, etc.,” stated organizers Doug and Lee Anne Andriessen in a letter received by council at the Sept. 14 meeting.
Councillor Dennis Craven, who said he attended both the Moorefield meeting and an earlier gathering hosted by the group in Listowel, said he was asked at both meetings about Mapleton council’s position on wind turbines.
“I had to tell them I had no idea,” said Craven, pointing out the current council has never discussed the issue.
Mayor Neil Driscoll is the only holdover from the previous council.
Councillor Michael Martin noted the previous council passed a resolution declaring Mapleton “not a willing host” for wind power projects.
The resolution was passed in 2013, after NextEra Energy established the Conestogo Wind Energy Centre near the township’s northeastern border.
“Does that still stand?” asked Martin.
“As long as the resolution remains on the books, it stands,” replied CAO Brad McRoberts.
“I wouldn’t normally entertain a request such as this from a special interest group, regardless of whether I support their interest or not,” said Martin.
However, he added, “the question is, would it be considered more appropriate because of our designation (as a non-willing host)?”
Martin continued, “It’s kind of a slippery slope – if we support this particular request, I know its not precedent setting – but it is in a way.”
Councillor Lori Woodham said she has never felt comfortable “having this power” to decide which groups would get donations and fees waived and which would not.
She said she prefers to stick to the policy of having groups apply in advance so funds can be budgeted.
“Is this a worthy cause? Who’s to say if it is or it isn’t? I would love it if we just followed our policy,” said Woodham.
“Are you saying that they had to ask in advance?” asked councillor Marlene Ottens, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Neil Driscoll’s absence. “But, a group like this couldn’t possibly … they didn’t know they were going to exist 10 months ago.”
Ottens suggested one factor in the decision could be if council felt the group is “working on behalf of all citizens.
“If you go by Mapleton’s official position, they are,” she pointed out.
Craven suggested, “I’d be willing to support this, but down the line we may have to have the willpower to say no to a group that may have a similar, but not the same request.”
A motion by Martin, seconded by Woodham, to waive the fee was approved.
