Cost-cutting at Parks Canada may lead to businesses that benefit from the Rideau Canal being asked to chip in toward its maintenance and operations.

“Quite a few beneficiaries along the Rideau Canal system…pay absolutely nothing for the privilege of operating those businesses,” environment minister Peter Kent said.  “In the national parks, there are franchise fees to be paid by those who benefit economically.”

Kent met Tuesday with 13 mayors whose municipalities are along the Rideau Canal.  The mayor of Merrickville-Wolford, Doug Struthers, tells 1310News that charging fees to commercial operators on the canal never came up during their discussions.

Kent says Parks Canada needs to look for ways of increasing revenue in addition to cutting costs.  He didn’t specify who may be asked to pay, or how much, but says the canals cannot be treated as a free ride by those who benefit from them, economically.