Cassellholme Redevelopment Costs Increase
Letter to the Editor
Research before you vote
East Ferris just released their 2025 Financials and they indicate growing pressure from all areas regarding increased costs. One of those pressure points is Cassellholme and it seems like the smaller municipalities were an afterthought when it came to the financing arrangement for the redevelopment. Even though the financing was arranged years ago, the method in which it came together is still creating an impact on our taxpaying dollar out here in the hinterland.
The news that East Ferris will be bearing an increasing financial burden came hot on the heels of the news that South Algonquin will be dragging Cassellholme into the courtroom, where lawyers will make hay regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.
The issue is whether or not South Algonquin was released from paying the redevelopment costs or if they are still on the hook for them even though the contribution increased from $5M to $9M South Algonquin is relying on a letter from then CEO Jamie Lowery, which shifted their portion onto the backs of the remaining municipalities and Cassellholme is saying the only body with the authority to release South Algonquin is the Ministry of Long Term Care.
According to the Statement of Claim by South Algonquin, they received and signed an agreement on Dec 16, 2021 where Cassellholme agreed to pay South Algonquin’s share, which would likely increase the levy on the municipalities, but there is no record of the agreement in any of the Cassellholme minutes that I read.
So now, on top of the Cassellholme-Castle Arms fiasco, the organization supported by neighbouring communities goes into yet another costly legal battle.
I dont ascribe to the theory a leopard can never change his spots but I recognize past actions are the best indicator of future performance
Before you vote for your mayor please do your due diligence...dont rely solely on campaign promises...we may live out here in the low tax region but we really dont need your mayor adding to the existing cost pressures.
Phil Koning
Corbeil, ON
