Will new laundromat be all washed up by high water rates?

To whom it may concern:

The village of Barry’s Bay has been without a laundromat for quite some time so we were quite happy to see a new one open recently on Bay Street.

We went in to have a look around and welcome the new owner to our town. She was very friendly and we were impressed with the lovely, clean surroundings, state-of-the-art washers and dryers, a couch and TV for the customers, and the fact that Robylin Bautista lives on the premises, and is there to help if there are any problems, and keep an eye on things.

There are many in the area who do not own, or cannot afford, a washer and dryer, and a laundromat is a real necessity, not to mention the many cottagers and travellers in the summer.

If Barry’s Bay is to grow and thrive, we need to encourage and welcome new people and businesses to our town.

Due to the nature of their business, their water uses will be considerably high, more so than most others in town.

Would Council not consider a temporary discount, just to help them for a year or two until they are established?  They have invested a considerable amount in their new endeavour.  It would be such a shame to see this much-needed facility fail to thrive as has happened to so many others in the past.

Sincerely,

Catherine Corrigan along with members of her walking group: Jane Beahen, Sarah Coombs, Maria Danielski, Margaret Gray, Miriam Hedderson, Fran Madigan, Margaret Ogilvie, Mary Peterson, Teresa Reszka, Julie Zurakowski.

Editor’s Note: Madawaska Valley Council rejected the laundromat owner’s request for a reduction in water rates on November 5, 2019. The writers, however, have requested that the Current nonetheless publish their views.