Coun. Tanya Vrebosch said following Tuesday's City Council meeting that what was presented as a constructive motion to encourage growth in North Bay by appealing to the provincial government for tax incentives was nearly derailed by negative comments from a colleague.
"Why would people want to come here if this is all they read about?" asked Vrebosch.
Vrebosch was referring to comments made by Coun. Mark King during the discussion about the motion that he brought forward Tuesday. "For some reason, we've become a hub for provincial addiction," said King, "and we're exporting our young to the south."
King, who is chair of the District of Nipissing social Services Administration Board, clarified his statement later Tuesday, saying that he has spoken to social workers who say that North Bay is seen as a desirable destination by drug addicts to seek various treatments. King said that the problem is that many never leave, putting more stresses on a social welfare system already bursting at the seams.
The resolution, as read in chambers, was directed as a tool to discourage the out-migration of young, and skilled (or both), workers to other centres. King relayed an experience from his personal life in which friends of his had recently told him they are moving away from North Bay to follow their children who have left to pursue work opportunities in southern Ontario.
Coun. Mac Bain, who seconded the motion, indicated that the language mirrored a similar plea to the provincial government from municipal officials in Sault Ste. Marie. King said that attending the recent FONOM conference held in North Bay spurred him to pursue it as a Council matter.
"This motion addresses stagnation in northern Ontario and not only the out-migration of young people, but also of retirees," said King.
According to King, the province of Ontario employs 72,000 people, the vast majority in the GTA, adding to congestion problems in the region.
"Why are provincial agencies housed inside some of the most expensive real estate in Canada?" asked King. "Is it actually good use of taxpayers' money? I think not. There is a real opportunity in some of these northern Ontario towns to provide a better way of life, and to alleviate some of the congestion in Toronto."
After initially balking due to King's rhetoric, Vrebosch relented and the motion was passed unanimously (Coun. Mike Anthony was absent).
King said during the discussion that the aim was to "get the ear of the Premier," and later added that "we have an obligation to fix the problems if they are fixable."
