ServiceOntario closing 3 offices in eastern Ontario

Frequent clients of the ServiceOntarioin Kemptville, Ont., are joining the area's politicians in voicing their anger over the provincialgovernment'sdecision to close the outlet.

"This is ridiculous. What kind of service are they giving us? None," said North Gowerresident NancyGrundy, whodescribes herself as a regular user ofthe ServiceOntario office inKemptville.

"Kemptvilleis growing, so why are they closing up things?"

The closure, set to take place Feb. 24, 2017,is one of nine announcedby theMinistry of Government and Consumer Services, includingtwo other offices in eastern Ontario. ServiceOntariooffices inEmbrun andMorrisburg, which also provideland registry services, will closeNov. 25, 2016.

60-minute drive

For car dealer GregReuber, the closure of the Kemptville officewill mean a 60-minute drive toServiceOntario locations in Smiths Falls, Winchester or Prescott.

"It's going tomean a lot of extra expense, a lot of extra driving, and it's going to be veryinconvenient for our customers," he said.

News of the closures came as a surprise to NorthGrenvilleMayor David Gordon, who questions why the government would close a ServiceOntario office in what he calls one of the fastest-growing communities in eastern Ontario.

"It wasn't well thought out at all," said Gordon. "We'll fight this to the bitter end."

At Queen's Park, the Progressive Conservatives,led byLeeds-Grenville MPP SteveClark, have joined the fight, launching a petition demanding the government reverse its decision.

Closures carefully considered

However Government and Consumer Services Minister David Oraziettistressed the closures were carefully considered.

"They've been under review for some time as we continue to modernize the delivery of ServiceOntario offices," saidOrazietti."We know that alternative locations are closeby and, from our data andanalysis, can absorb the increased customer flow."

Many of the services offered at the offices are now available online, Orazietti added.

The three closures in eastern Ontario will mean the loss of eight full-time and four part-time jobs, according to the ministry. The ministry said it's working with the employees and their unions to find jobs elsewhere within government.