On Nov. 28, the Township of McKellar hosted a public presentation to the public from the business, economic development and tourism ad hoc committee on its proposal to form an Economic Development Corporation.
However, the presentation left some ratepayers concerned and many said that the presentation did not meet the requirements for a public meeting, spurring the creation of the Facebook group called McKellar Free Speech.
McKellar resident Michel Richard, creator of McKellar Free Speech, said that the question of meeting public consultation requirements arises from the methods used to contact voters about the meeting.
“The public meeting was held with approximately 15 people in person and 14 people online,” he wrote in the McKellar Free Speech group. “Another issue is the fact that the proposal is lacking in detail.”
The presentation failed to identify potential members and their qualifications, said Richard, given that they are claiming to be consultants who will offer professional advice to potential entrepreneurs.
The current economic development ad hoc committee is proposing to incorporate into a non-profit corporation called McKellar Township Economic Development Corporation (EDCorp).
The Nov. 28 presentation stated that some of the advantages of EDCorp would be: members having limited liability; permanence by being able to operate uninterrupted by council changeovers; no restrictions on number and types of members; and it would cost the township less than a standing committee.
But McKellar ratepayer Ron Gill wondered if having an incorporated Economic Development Corporation at “arms length” from the elected council was truly an advantage.
“I can surely think of some drawbacks, but I would like to understand what positives would warrant this course of action,” said Gill.
The presentation outlined the proposed structure of EDCorp: members would be volunteers, preferably with entrepreneurial experience; and two directors would be township councillors to maintain continuity with council.
Directors would be unpaid, elected or appointed by membership and allowed a maximum term of four years, according to the presentation.
McKellar Free Speech members continue to share their concerns online over the proposed Economic Development Corporation.
The Township of McKellar has posted a recording of the public meeting on its website.
- Sarah Cooke, Local Journalism Initiative, Parry Sound North Star, and Almaguin News
