~ SERVING LENNOX AND ADDINGTON COUNTY AND AREA SINCE 1870 ~
w w w. n a p a n e e b e ave r. c o m | T h u r s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 , 2 0 1 5
2
Deputy Mayor irked by lazy dog owners
|
14
Loonie auction to fight cancer coming to J.J. O’Neill
Proudly Independent
16
Britt Benn helps Canada to third in Atlanta
When Life Gives Lemons...
Locals rallying to protest Hydro One’s billing system Protest set for Saturday in Kingston BY ASHLEY ESPINOZA Staff Reporter
ver 13,000 people from across Ontario have come together to make a stand against rising Hydro One rates, including some local ratepayers struggling to pay their bills. For the past few years, escalating Hydro One bills has been a heated topic. Thousands of people from across the province have come together on social media to share stories, support and rally against Hydro One. ‘Hydro One – Enough is Enough’ is a Facebook page that’s been created for those affected by rising hydro costs to share information and rally for lower costs. Though it’s been around for about three years, it’s garnered a lot of attention in the past few months. The group plans petitions and protests throughout Ontario. The next protest will take place Saturday in Kingston. “It’s the add-ons and the HST. The biggest thing is, this is a necessity and we’re charged HST on it. The add-ons are horrible. It’s terrible,” said Lorie Lawlor, a local member of the group who is struggling to pay her ever-rising hydro bills. “I live by myself, I heat only two rooms, I go home and I put on layers of clothing, I use the most conservative amount, turn off my hot water heater. I couldn’t use less hydro and my bills are $450. I don’t use my furnace because I can’t afford to,” Lawlor added. Lawlor said even though she does live in a mobile home, which normally means less insulation and higher hydro costs, her bills have tripled since 2009. Lawlor, who works full time, is now faced
O
with the question: what is most important to pay for? She said her neighbours are in the same situation. “We’re sharing groceries. We can’t afford to live. It’s everybody. Everybody is trying to pay hydro because they’re so threatening that we’re dropping the ball on our other bills,” Lawlor said. “People are literally choose between paying their hydro bills and buying food, and when you buy food you need hydro to cook it. … People are literally not eating. Because, what are you going to do? Freeze to death?” she asked. Lawlor and her neighbours share food, carpool, and pick up sale items for one another when someone goes into town. She said it’s the only way they can make ends meet in order to pay their hydro bills. Last year Lawlor’s highest hydro bill was $350 and she used her heat regularly. This year she has reduced her heat almost completely and her bills still average around $450. “I work day shift, I don’t have heat on at home except the bare minimum, and I’m talking below 50 degrees. (And I am) working full-time,” Lawlor said. Each day, Lawlor waits until after 7 p.m. to cook her dinner in order to take advantage of Hydro One’s low-peak period rates. “Here’s the other thing that’s killing everybody: the time of use between 5-7 p.m. – people need to feed their children. I myself don’t have any, but people need to feed their children,” Lawlor added. Jeanette Kosnaski, one of the organizers of the ‘Hydro One – Enough is Enough’ group, said rural residents suffer higher hydro bills.
Social .................................4 INSIDE Op/Ed............................. 6/7
D L
SEE HYDRO ONE | PAGE 10 >
History.................................8 Sports................................16
CARPENTRY & KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN 8235 COUNTY RD.2 E., NAPANEE S HO 4 (613) 354-6202 WR . 199 EE’S PAN NA
OOM
O LD E S T
EST
Adam Prudhomme-Staff
Little Ray’s Reptile wildlife educator Dawson Watson shows off Lemonade, a reticulated python, during a presentation at the Napanee Library. The show, which was well attended, was part of the library’s March Break programming. Classifieds ........................18 Business Directory............22
Games..............................23 Real Estate..................Insert
I
Vol. 146 No. 12
NAPANEE AUTO RECYCLING INC. Large Selection of Car & Truck Parts! “You Auto Try Us”
call: Dan
Used
613-929-7572
Parts