The mayors of Kenora and Dryden are pressuring the provincial government for more funding for long term care.

Mayor Andrew Poirier says the money is already collected from the unincorporated areas.

He just wants them to start contributing to the old age homes in the district.

“We would like to see a portion of that money that is submitted on their behalf go directly to helping fund the District of Kenora Homes for the Aged or long-term care homes in our district,” Poirier told the provincial Finance Committee during their pre-budget consultations on Thursday in Kenora.

“In Kenora that’s $779,000.”

Mayor Jack Harrison of Dryden agrees and says the unincorporated areas already pay for the Northwestern Health Unit and Kenora District Services Board but doesn’t understand why long-term care is exempt.

“The Kenora District Services Board has ambulance service, and they have representation on the board (from the unincorporated areas) but why is it not the same in long term care.  Why are unorganized folks not contributing to the care of our seniors.”

Poirier if the unincorporated areas were able to contribute to the long-term care costs, it could help pay for other services in local communities.

He adds that it’s not an extra tax because the province already collects Provincial Land Tax revenue from the unincorporated areas.