As part of Dufferin County measures to find so-called efficiencies, they are planning to close the Shelburne Employment Resource Centre. 

This centre has served Shelburne for more than 10 years and has grown into much more than an employment office. It is a welcoming place where residents can get help with resumes, job searches, paperwork, faxing, printing, photocopying, housing applications, Ontario Works, ODSP, taxes, birth certificates, and other important supports. It has also been a valuable resource for newcomers who are learning how to navigate services in our community.

Many community partners also use the centre, including Contact North, Small Business support, Skills Upgrading through the Upper Grand District School Board, Georgian College Academic and Career Preparation, Georgian College Employment Services, and Service Canada. For many residents, especially those without reliable transportation, travelling to Orangeville for appointments or documents is a real hardship. If closing the centre is being considered to save money, I respectfully ask that Council consider keeping it open three days a week instead. This would still reduce costs while allowing Shelburne residents to access the services they rely on. The Shelburne Employment Resource Centre makes a meaningful difference in our community, and I hope every effort can be made to keep this support available.

As Shelburne is the fastest-growing town in Ontario, it's absolutely vital that services such as the Shelburne Employment Resource Centre remain operating –  that the County ensures funding is available for future expansion of programs and services offered by SERC.