POWELL RIVER—Dramatic cuts to municipal services will affect the quality of services residents receive in Powell River, warns CUPE Local 798.
The City of Powell River recently announced their proposed 2012 budget which includes cuts that would reduce hours for transit, reduce bylaw enforcement services, cut parks and recreation services and increase water and sewer fees.
“Our members take pride in the services we provide to Powell River residents,” said Danielle Craigen, president of CUPE 798. “Once we eliminate services, it is not only hard to bring them back, but also expensive. Cutting services is not what is best for our community, we need to explore alternatives.”
Craigen also notes that City has run annual surpluses for years and has been slowly saving for projects such as infrastructure upgrades. The local is seeking a meeting with the mayor and city councilors to discuss alternatives to these dramatic cuts.
CUPE 798 represents more than 150 inside and outside workers who deliver vital municipal services including waste collection, bylaw enforcement, community and environmental services, planning, water and waste water operations, parks and recreation services, transit services and many other services.
