December 14, 2011
In a Reminder interview, Mayor George Fontaine talks about the concept of cottage country joining Flin Flon, saying it would carry “potential positive effects for both sides as well as some negatives.” Adds the mayor: “In the near future what we can expect is a higher level of discussion and consultation to see what consensus can be created and what opportunities will arise.”
May 2012
Fontaine confirms that while nothing is final, council has discussed the possibility of annexing cottage subdivisions. He is quick to add that he would rather have conversations with lake area residents “and have some input from them before we actually decide where we’re going.”
June 19, 2012
During a meeting with cabin owner representatives, Fontaine floats the idea of a voluntary fee from cottagers, arguing that services in Flin Flon are available to residents and non-residents alike.
August 3, 2012
The city runs a Reminder ad summing up the June 19 meeting. The ad concludes with a straightforward message: “As a city, our option may be limited to annexation but the position of outlying residents is one that could allow for several choices. It has been made clear that lacking a serious response, the City of Flin Flon will pursue annexation.”
August 10, 2012
The Reminder publishes an in-depth article to gauge cottagers’ opinions on annexation, with the results overwhelmingly negative. “I think it’s just, ‘Leave us alone,’” says John Munson of Bakers Narrows when asked to sum up the sentiment of cottagers. Another cottager, Rick Jackson, says he would not necessarily oppose a city fee; it would depend on the amount.
August 24, 2012
In a letter to the city, cottage reps make their opposition to annexation clear but ask the city to list the services it could provide to cabin owners and how much money would be expected in return.
November 29, 2012
In a letter of his own, Fontaine proposes all year-round cottagers pay an annual service fee of $882 a year and seasonal cottagers pay $126 a year to cover fire service. He writes that cottagers benefit from municipal services such as recreation, cemeteries and City Hall administration.
January 25, 2013
In another letter, cottage reps reject Fontaine’s fee as a whole but endorse the concept of a reasonable cost structure for continued access to the city’s firefighting services.
July 1, 2013
The city ends firefighting coverage in cottage country after cottage reps refuse a $300 annual fee on the grounds that it is too high. Fontaine says the initial asking price for fire service, $126 a year, was only part of a package deal.
August 21, 2013
Fontaine reiterates that an application to annex cottage country remains possible, if not likely. Speaking at a public forum, he says annexation remains an option “even if it’s uncomfortable for people” and there is no guarantee it will succeed.
February 2014
Council writes to the province asking that cottage subdivisions near Flin Flon be amalgamated with the city in the same way that small southern municipalities have had to unite with neighbouring communities. This is not quite the same as annexation.
May 8, 2014
Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen makes some of his clearest statements yet on the cottage issue, saying he would have “no problem” with cottagers being amalgamated into Flin Flon.
June 4, 2014
The Manitoba government tells The Reminder that the legislation under which southern municipalities were amalgamated does not relate to Flin Flon’s request for amalgamation. This ends the city’s request.
July 4, 2014
A Reminder article details a petition drive in cottage country that overwhelmingly opposes annexation by Flin Flon. “Nobody that I’m aware of is in favour of annexation,” says Dale Powell, one of the canvassers.
