Town Council

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Given the plans for the Saugeen Shores 2012 Town budget, the Lake Huron Shoreline Tourism (LHST) partnership with the town is about to come to an end.

The organization requested $3,000 in support from the municipality in its upcoming budget.  Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau was against the request saying that he felt the group did not need the money given that they had a surplus of some $17,000.

Councilor Diane Huber said that she thought the $3,000 was acceptable.  "We have been the lead partners since its (LHST) inception and there have been several entities that have been well served through the partnership.  I think we should let them see through this year with their request."

"At the end of the day," said Councilor Taun Frosst, "they will have a surplus, so it doesn't really matter if we give them $1,500 or $3,000.

"The one thing to keep in  mind," added Mayor Mike Smith, "is that these are volunteers and they will leverage that $3,000 in many ways.   I sympathize that there may be a duplicate of efforts buy you are saying to a whole bunch of volunteers that we no longer support them."

"Well," added Huber, "in terms of our own Chamber, we have benefitted from a (LHST) mail-out that results in a miniscule amount of postag."

"The key to remember," pointed out Charbonneau, "is that most of the 'volunteers' are employed by the town and are in the economic development business and tourism.  The County, the Chamber, the Enterprise Business Centre and the Municipality are duplicating efforts."

It was decided that Saugeen Shores would continue with its financial support for 2012 but would then terminate the partnership with LHTS.

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Wednesday, February 01, 2012