BARRY’S BAY – Residents in Hastings Highlands, many of whom live along Kamaniskeg Lake, are hoping for a border change, which would officially classify them as residents of Madawaska Valley Township.
That’s the word from Ed Kobylka, president of the Kamaniskeg and Area Property Owners Association (KAPOA). He attended the April 3 regular council meeting to propose the idea of restructuring the boundaries of Bangor Township with Madawaska Valley Township.
“After years of heavy taxation and neglected services in Hastings Highlands, the taxpayers are looking for better options,” he said. “They have asked us to look into the fact if we can change the boundaries.”
These ratepayers represent between 400 and 500 taxpayers, which is equal to one and a quarter million dollars in taxes every year, Kobylka said. He added that many services have been discontinued or neglected, including curbside pickup in the Municipality of Hastings Highlands.
“We use your hospital in Barry’s Bay, we use the arena, we use the post office, the library,” he continued. “If you got kids here, nine out of 10 are going to the school here in Barry’s Bay.”
The residents live approximately 15 kilometres from Barry’s Bay, and approximately 40 kilometres from Maynooth.
Get your April 5, 2017 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full article.