No to local service district status for Pinchgut Lake

The

provincial government has turned down an application from a group in Pinchgut Lake to have the area become a local service district.

Municipal Affairs Minister Kevin O’Brien said the application was submitted by the group several months ago, but was turned down partly because only half of the residents or people that own cottages in the area, just west of Corner Brook, signed the petition seeking local service district designation.

“So the viewpoint is varied among the residents out there,” said O’Brien. “So we didn’t have a concensus at all.”

O’Brien also noted there has to be extenuating circumstances that would warrant an incorporation in regards to services that will be provided or can be provided on a private basis.

In looking at it from a service perspective, O’Brien said he, as minister, encourages people, such as the residents of Pinchgut Lake, to explore regional co-operation opportunities with local governments.

“Do we need more governance? Not really, but we need regionalization of services and the provision of services in the best, and accountable, and sustainable and affordable manner that we possibly can provide it,” said O’Brien.

In this case, he said Pinchgut Lake may be better off exploring regional co-operation.

“They’ve got some communities close by that they could actually partner with.”

O’Brien said requests such as this are not common.

He said there are about 276 municipalities in the province and around 200 local service districts.

Of those 200 local service districts, O’Brien said a number are joining together and becoming regional local service districts.

“It’s out there because the provision of service is costly and they can do it more effectively together than standing alone,” said the minister.

“So that’s one thing to be considered by the residents of Pinchgut Lake.”

O’Brien said the group can submit another petition or application to his department, but even if all the property owners are in agreement that doesn’t mean the decision would be reversed.

He said the provision of services is what this is all about and if that’s more cost-effective by partnering, then he encourages communities to explore those opportunities.

O’Brien noted this is something that Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is also doing.

“If you can provide them more effectively and less costly to the residents, that’s your goal.”