Public meeting tentatively set for December 12
MANITOULIN—Hydro One Ombudsman Fiona Crean will be attending a public meeting in December to discuss hydro rates and other areas of concern relative to Manitoulin Island residents.
“At our last Manitoulin Municipal Association (MMA) meeting I brought forward the request that we would like the Hydro One Ombudsman to attend a public meeting on the Island,” Billings Councillor Brian Parker told council at a meeting this past Monday. The MMA, “gave me permission to go ahead and see if we could set up a meeting and I contacted Michael Mantha (MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin) about a similar meeting that MPP Dave Yurek (Elgin-Middlesex-London) had set up in southern Ontario earlier this year.”
“Mike (Mantha) got back to me and said the Ombudsman is willing to come to the Island and provided several tentative dates in December to hold the meeting,” said Councillor Parker. He also noted that Mr. Mantha would be coordinating the meeting and had asked if the MMA would co-sponsor the meeting. Councillor Parker contacted MMA chair who was in agreement with the MMA co-sponsoring the event.
When contacted Tuesday Mr. Mantha confirmed Ms. Crean, “will take part in a public meeting on the Island. We are still finalizing the date and location, but a tentative date has been set for December 12.”
Mr. Mantha said the meeting date and location will be advertised, and he encourages and expects a large turnout for the meeting, where residents will be able to ask questions and bring concerns forward. “I’m sure there will be a large crowd with a lot of questions and concerns. Rightfully so, people are upset with the cost of hydro, billing practices and the privatization of Hydro One.”
A similar meeting was held in September in St. Thomas, Ontario and drew almost 300 people in attendance. The meeting was set up as an open forum, with a moderator on hand, with people being able to ask questions of the Ombudsman.
Councillor Parker told council Monday that Mr. Mantha will be setting up the advertising and finding a moderator for the evening, which will be held in a central location on the Island. “If people have concerns they can ask them verbally or in writing and present to the Ombudsman,” he added.”
