Councillor loses vote on library funding

Roger Varley

Councillor Zed Pickering found himself all alone on Monday when he introduced a motion to support the Township of Brock in its call for additional provincial funding for libraries.

Brock passed a resolution asking for additional funding and sought support from other municipalities. Pickering's motion called for that show of support and also for the Township of Uxbridge to write its own letter to the province requesting additional funding.

However, Mayor Dave Barton pointed out that with a new hospital and long-term care facility on the horizon, along with a new urban provincial park and the need for development land, it was better for the township to go after funding for those major projects rather than the library.

"I'm happy to continue funding the library as we always have done," Barton said.

A couple of councillors appear to be sympathetic to Pickering's motion, but regional councillor Bruce Garrod, siding with Barton, noted the advice former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney gave to his daughter, Caroline Mulroney: "Don't waste your political capital on the small things."

Garrod then called for a recorded vote. When the vote was taken, Pickering was the lone supporter of the motion. Even Councillor Todd Snooks, who originally seconded the motion, voted against it.