'I'm furious': Residents in Borden-Carleton's fire district oppose annexation

About 200 residents fromAlbanyand othersurrounding municipalities in P.E.I.'s Borden-Carleton fire district sounded off in opposition to proposed annexation by the town at a public meeting Sunday night.

• 5 more Island communities start amalgamation process
• Tool kit can guide municipal leaders through amalgamation

The Town of Borden-Carleton, along with municipalities across the province, is beginning the process of amalgamation as a result ofthe Municipal Government Act that was passed last year.

The province wants to create larger townships across the Island instead of smaller municipalities.

In a letter and informationsent to residents in August, the Town of Borden-Carletonlisted several benefits of the process, includingmore municipal services for annexed communities, and more control over residential development in the area.

If approved, the town's population would grow by more than half its current size.

'Higher taxes and more headaches'

But at Sunday's meeting, many residentsexpressed their opposition to the move, in particular in regards to paying higher taxes.

"Already farmers in this region are governed. We're paying taxes already," saidColleenMacQuarrie, who runs a farm in the Albany area.

"What exactly would be the benefit for us to become annexed to Borden-Carleton?"

MacQuarrie said she doubted Borden-Carleton's promised public services would extend to her area.

"As it looks to me, all we're going to have are higher taxes and more headaches," she said.

Criticism of Borden-Carleton

"I would be much more receptive to any sort of annexation proposal if there was more of a proven track record in Borden-Carleton" said Cape Traverse residentAndrew MacKay, who criticized the state of the town's Gateway Village.

"At this point in time, I haven't seen that from the community, so I find it very hard to get on board," he said.

Albany resident Mike Green said he's purposely avoided moving toBorden-Carleton, and would prefer to keep living outside of the town's borders.

"We like it how it is. We look after each other," said Mike Green.

"Don't kid yourself. I'm furious"

'We want to move forward'

Borden-Carleton Mayor Dean Sexton, wasamong several government representativespresent to address concerns.

"Some of the questions I was not anticipating," saidSexton, who was unable to provide figures whenaskedto share the town's budget and deficits.

Sexton said he hopes to bring residents on board with annexation for the benefit Borden-Carleton and its surrounding areas.

"We want to move forward and work together co-operatively and come up with some kind of a solution that we can move the whole area forward," he said.

Meeting organizers said they already have about 500 signatures for a petition opposing annexation with Borden-Carleton.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Mechanical issue cancels 2 crossings between P.E.I., N.S.
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Souped up: P.E.I. bone broth company looks to expand