Bay Coin Laundromat opened in Barry’s Bay last October to cheers from residents, but the owners’ plea for a temporary reduction in water rates while they establish the new business was refused by Madawaska Valley Council. Laundry customers think the township should reconsider that decision, say Robylin Bautista and Alia Bayat, who showed The Current pages of signatures from people across the region.
During the holiday period, 93 customers have signed a petition that reads: “We the undersigned support the owners’ request to Madawaska Valley Township for a temporary reduction in their water charges, just to help them for a year or two until they are established.” While over half of those who have signed come from Barry’s Bay, the remainder are from other communities including Bancroft, Combermere, Cormac, Foymount, Killaloe, Kitchener, Madawaska, Maple Leaf, Palmer Rapids, Quadeville, Rockingham, Whitney and Wilno.
Bayat said this proves his statement to MV Council that there is a significant economic spin-off for other businesses when customers come to Barry’s Bay to do their laundry. As they wait during the wash and dry cycle, he said customers usually spend money on eating or shopping. In reply to questions from The Current, Bayat said he knew of other municipalities who provide reduced rates as incentives for new businesses; for example, Burlington, and said he had informed MV Council of this.
He repeated that he does not want to increase what Bay Coin Laundromat charges because of the negative effect on customers with low incomes. He said their prices are competitive, citing an $8 fee for a heavy-duty washer load and the rate of $1.50 for wash and fold. Bayat says he will continue collecting signatures before approaching the municipality again.