MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 22nd, 2025
On May 21st, 2025, Mayor D’Eon and Reeve Doncaster made a presentation to Laurentian Hills Council following up on Mayor D’Eon’s Nov. 1st, 2024 letter to their council asking for a proportional share of the Deep River Pool roof and enclosure rehabilitation. User data indicates 42% of pool users are non-residents of Deep River. The letter asked Laurentian Hills to pay for 39.7% of the $804,395 for the project ($319,345).
Mayor D’Eon’s presentation provided a factual comparison of residential (only) taxes in both municipalities excluding all PILT, pipeline, commercial, industrial and other revenues, clearly illustrating that Deep River residential taxpayers substantially subsidize the use of Deep River’s major recreational facilities by residents of neighbouring municipalities. The presentation suggested that Laurentian Hills could use less than 3% of their over $9 million in reserves to fund their share of the pool project without raising their taxes. As an example, the presentation highlighted Laurentian Valley’s recent proportional contribution to the City of Pembroke’s pool roof project which was recently completed.
“It was a professional and informative presentation,” Reeve Doncaster stated. “I added how in my experience, growing up in the townships, sports have been a unifying force in my life. Sports broke down barriers between our communities. It is very important for communities to work together.”
In response, Laurentian Hills Mayor Anne Giardini read a prepared statement turning down Deep River’s request while suggesting they would be open to a future discussion about a shared services agreement.
“I believe on behalf of Deep River residential taxpayers, we presented a very strong case for a fair share payment that would not have raised Laurentian Hills taxes,” Mayor D’Eon stated. “I do thank Laurentian Hills Council for listening to our concerns and for their understanding that Reeve Doncaster and I represent the interests of our ratepayers. I look forward to engaging further on this issue in the future. In the meantime, I am sure the wisdom of Deep River Council, with input from staff, will come up with something equitable to Deep River’s residential taxpayers.”
Mayor D’Eon will bring this matter back to council to discuss what direction Council wants to take.
Contact:
Mayor Sue D’Eon, Town of Deep River. 613 584-2000 ext. 130
Sean Patterson, Town of Deep River, CAO. 613 584-2000 ext. 108
Additional Information:
https://www.laurentianhills.ca/userfiles/file/WEB%20May%20Council%287%29.pdf
The Corporation of the Town of Deep River
100 Deep River Road, P.O. Box 400, Deep River, ON K0J 1P0
P: 613-584-2000 - F: 613-584-3237
townmail@deepriver.ca
