Linda McNaughton, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer for the City of Dryden brought forth a report at the April 11 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding a lottery license complaint and a request for direction.A youth bowling league from another municipality in the region had put forward a request to the city to sell their fundraising tickets in the city of Dryden, and was denied by city staff.Following their common practice, it is not permitted for outside communities to sell their tickets within city limits, due to the potential of taking away fundraising opportunities for local organizations and community groups.As per the report issued by McNaughton, it states that “The administrative practice for approving a request to sell tickets within the community from other municipalities rests with the Lottery Licensing Officer at this time, with the final decision being that of the Treasurer.  It has been our practice in the past to support our local not for profit organizations and not to allow the sale of lottery tickets which do not directly benefit the residents of Dryden.”Further discussion stated there have been suggestions that other community groups have done this in the past, with Rotary being brought up as an example, as well as Vermilion Bay organizations, but according to the city report, “proceeds from all draws have always benefited the community, such as the hospital.” City council did not agree with the suggestions submitted by staff, and were quick to comment.“The Dryden community is much bigger than the city limits of Dryden.  Ignace is a case in point.  Most of their shopping and most of their business is in Dryden, most of their banking is in Dryden, as do Machin, and many in areas in between.  Perhaps we could somehow look at expanding the definition of what community is in regard to this kind of thing,” stated city councillor, Mel Fisher.  “I know when I sit in front of IGA and sell tickets, I sell tickets to guys from Red Lake and Sioux Lookout and Ignace as well as Dryden.”The general consensus of mayor and council was not in favour of the report issued by McNaughton, and requested it be revised to include some of the surrounding communities, rather than a blanket exclusion.

By Ally Dunham