While town council received three petitions from residents against “bag tags” at the public meetings held last Tuesday, it will see an even stronger indication of disapproval from the public tonight, with hundreds—or even thousands—more signatures expected to be put forth.
Local resident Ken Perry, who’s been spearheading the most recent petitions against “bag tags,” said he’s hoping that showing overwhelming public support against the proposal will send a clear message to council—passing the new waste management bylaw would be against the wishes of the citizens of Fort Frances who elected them.
“My point is this: Show me a petition in favour of it [‘bag tags’],” Perry remarked.
Over the holiday weekend, Perry and others took petitions against “bag tags” not only door-to-door, but to the mill, Rainycrest, La Verendrye hospital, and several businesses, including The Place and 364 Food Store.
“One lady collected 200 signatures on Saturday. Only two people said they wouldn’t sign it. I had a petition with over 100 signatures. Only one person declined,” said Perry.
“That’s less than one percent of the people who weren’t against ‘bag tags.’”
He added it’s likely he would have collected even more signatures if it hadn’t been the long weekend since so many people weren’t home to sign the door-to-door petition.
Perry added he’s expecting the petitions circulated at the aforementioned workplaces to be turned in at tonight’s council meeting.
“I hope we have a very spirited meeting tonight,” said Perry. “People should come on out and voice their opinions.”
The public meeting regarding the new waste management bylaw is slated for 7 p.m. at the Civc Centre.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
