PLEASE Write/EMAIL The Mayor and COUNCILORS

mayor@rideaulakes.ca, councillorpbanks@rideaulakes.ca, councillordunfield@rideaulakes.ca, councillorjbanks@rideaulakes.ca, councillormaxwell@rideaulakes.ca, councillorcarr@rideaulakes.ca, councillordelaney@rideaulakes.ca, councillorhutchings@rideaulakes.ca, councillorpollard@rideaulakes.ca

October 28, 2024

Mayor and Council Members

Rideau Lakes Township

Dear Mayor and Councillors:

The subject of the Township offices of Rideau Lakes in Chantry have been a point of contention and concern since amalgamation of the Township right up to the present day.

Previous Councils were not able to deliver new and much needed offices.  Since the previous plan for Township offices was voted down by this Council in 2023, it seems fitting that Rideau Lakes taxpayers now have their voices heard on administrative offices that will serve this community for decades to come.

Since this Council has dismissed the public consultation conducted by IDEA as questionable and irrelevant as well as the recommendations of both the consultant and staff, we need to find a way for the taxpayers to have their say in a matter that is so important to so many in Rideau Lakes.

This issue is one of the reasons for the divide at Council and it is negatively impacting the community as well. We need to find a way forward that will allow for feedback from Rideau Lakes’ residents that is fair, transparent and acceptable to the community and Council.

I believe either a plebiscite or a referendum to determine whether the community supports a new build in another location or a retrofit to the Chantry building is the best mechanism to help our Township to move forward.

I understand that there is a cost to conduct such a vote but I also believe that this cost will be well worth the expense to unite both the community and hopefully Council, and give a clear direction for such an important decision.

Please help the Rideau Lakes community heal and support a plebiscite or referendum on an issue that impacts the heart of our Township.

Yours truly,

[ First and Last Name ]

[Address ]