Despite being open to the idea as a last resort, MLA Clarence Pettersen has agreed to share with the legislature a petition against any City of Flin Flon attempt to annex cottage country.
Though Pettersen is not sure if he will have time to present the petition before the legislature adjourns for the holidays, he said he is not averse to doing so.
“I’ll read that,” he said, adding that the cottagers who signed the petition are his constituents.
Asked to clarify his position on annexation, Pettersen said both he and former mayor George Fontaine maintained the tactic should only be used as a last resort.
Pettersen reiterated that he supports a “fair” funding agreement between the city and cottagers, but “no agreement is not a fair agreement.”
While he will present the petition to his fellow lawmakers, Pettersen said he believes an agreement will be reached between the two sides.
“I’ve been talking to both sides,” he said. “[Mayor] Cal [Huntley] is coming in and we’ll move forward. I’ve got nothing but respect for their team that is looking at the different options with the City of Flin Flon, and I have a lot of respect for the councillors and mayor that were trying to represent the city. I mean, we have to come to some agreement. It’s best for both [sides].”
North of 54 Cottage Owners Association, which represents area cabin dwellers, asked Pettersen to present the anti-annexation petition to the legislature to ensure the province knows where they stand on the issue.
Ray Miller, who coordinated the petition drive, said the effort garnered 517 signatures.
“I would say it represents an overwhelming majority of the people,” said Miller, adding that he is personally unaware of any cottagers who declined to sign.
Miller said copies of the text of the petition will go to Premier Greg Selinger and all relevant cabinet ministers.
If the city were to attempt to annex cottage country – an option that has been placed on the table – the province would have the final say.
Newly elected Mayor Huntley has said he does not view annexation as “a solution,” but it remains to be seen how his administration’s negotiations with cottagers proceed.
