Letter to the Editor

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To the Editor,

I received a letter dated July 20 about taking down my business signs.  I own a small motel, Cedar Court, that is not located on the main route of highway 21 through Southampton.

My business is on Huron Street and therefore I rely on my signs to notify tourists travelling through of my location and to let them know where we are and how to contact us.

Many of our customers come to us through our signs.

We have supported many town events and facilities including Pumpkinfest, curling, minor hockey, tennis, the Art School, Hospital and even the Piper among others.  Without my signs my business will definitely be impacted and my sponsorship dollars will be lost.  This will not only affect my business but those who have come to depend on my sponsorship generosity.

We all know tourism is vital to our community .and, when people stay with us, I recommend all the things they can do in both 'towns', Tours to Chantry Island, fishing charters, places to eat and shop.  If accommodations along the main highway are full  and visitors cannot find others, they will continue on to other towns such as Sauble, Kincardine and Owen Sound taking their dollars with them.

If I have to pay for a sign permit, I will, even though it adds to my already high taxes that have tripled over the past eight years, in addition to the new garbage bag tag, which given that we are a motel is now considerable.

The town and chamber wants support from business and yet it seems they are doing everything to block small business from making a living.

I would also add that our property line goes one-third of the way into the centre of Knowles Lanea, a public laneway, and yet I have never stopped any progress such as snow removal and/or town vehicles. 

I feel we should have had more notice, other than a local ad in the local newspaper which I rarely read.  The letter I received states signs will be taken down August 3, coincidentally before the next meeting of council.

These are not just signs - they are peoples' lives, future ande businesses.

Sincerely,

Marie Kew.

 3 Sandy

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Monday, August 02, 2010