Whereas community newspapers, including Shoreline Week, provide the only print source of local coverage and information in their communities, and facilitates pride and a sense of community that residents and businesses are proud of;
And Whereas the Shoreline Week maintains a strong readership and a valuable media source that residents go to for their local news;
And Whereas the Shoreline Week often provides the only voice for residents to facilitate involvement on local issues that ultimately shape our community, or to celebrate and acknowledge the Town’s rich history, businesses and its people;
And Whereas community newspapers fulfill a major gap in local news coverage, where media coverage originating from larger municipalities is minimal or scarce;
And Whereas the permanent closure of operations for Shoreline Week, and other community newspapers will have a devastating effect on informing residents of news and events in small and rural communities, and shut down a community voice for discussion on local decisions;
And Whereas community newspapers are vital communications to area residents by municipalities and marketing tool for businesses in small and rural communities;
Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that the permanent closure of Shoreline Week and its sister community weekly newspapers owned by Postmedia Network Inc. will hinder the ongoing efforts of the Town of Tecumseh to effectively reach and inform all residents of key Council decisions that affect their community and opportunities to participate in local community events;
And that Postmedia Network Inc. reconsider their decision to permanently close Shoreline Week and other local community weekly newspapers in an effort to preserve an open forum for accountability and transparency in local government and continue to facilitate community engagement;
And that Postmedia Network Inc. consider the introduction of alternative models to maintain local news coverage in communities such as Tecumseh, such as continuing online community newspapers with portals such as those provided by Metroland Media Group;
And further that this resolution be circulated to Postmedia Network Inc. president Andrew MacLeod, and area municipalities for support.