“We didn’t think it was that useful being open two days a week,” Martin explained. “It was not serving the people that much. The administration was having trouble getting it opened up. We are trying to get everything working out of one office. It really doesn’t work with two offices.”
At one time, the Minto office was the financial centre, but Martin said they were having trouble getting all of the paperwork over to Hartney at that time. He added they had made the decision in 2023 to keep it open the two days a week, but there were times where it was not busy. Trying to cut down on administration and then having someone in the office for several hours with no one coming in was a problem.
Grassland Councillor Terry Campbell, who voted against the motion to close, was not available to comment. However, former Grassland councillor and reeve Ruth Mealy, who lives in the Minto area, said it would be a hard pill for the community to swallow.
“I’m disappointed,” Mealy said. “I know this is tough for the council and the municipality, that they have to make tough decisions, but I’m disappointed this is a decision they felt they had to make.”
Mealy said not having an office in town creates issues. Grassland is about 42 miles wide, so for people from the eastern edge to go to Hartney is about a 40 minute drive. If someone has to drop off something like a water sample, this is very inconvenient. There is an effort to have bills paid online, for example, but she said for some people in the municipality it is not what they are comfortable doing. Sometimes, you just need to see someone to have an issue explained to you.
At any rate, Mealy said she hopes they can continue to use the building in the future. Something like a business incubator or another community service would work well out of the facility. As well, keeping the post office, which is now located there, open is a priority.
“Minto as a community is growing. We are attracting a lot of young families. We need that post office, with easy access. I hope they can find ways to keep that building in the municipality and use the space effectively and creatively.”
Martin said the plan is for the community to be able to use the building however it wants. He added he did not think the issue with the office was so much financial as keeping staff in it. Minto is a community with a strong identity, and Martin does expect some blowback from their decision. It was what had to be done, however.
“Sometimes you have a decision to make,” Martin stated.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff