The closure of the ServiceOntario centre in Killaloe has left a major gap for residents across the region, forcing them to travel to Eganville, Pembroke or Bancroft for vehicle registrations and other provincial services.
The office, which had operated inside Killaloe’s Ace Hardware since the early 1970s, shut its doors Friday after longtime operator Judy (Lepine) Cybulski retired. Her parents, Emerson and Madge Lepine, added the licensing bureau shortly after purchasing the hardware store in 1969.
Rumours of the closure began circulating in June. Hopes that another business in the village would take on the service didn’t materialize. The Killaloe location had served a wide area, drawing clients from Whitney, Barry’s Bay, Combermere, Palmer Rapids, Quadeville, Brudenell, Golden Lake and Round Lake.
Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke MPP Billy Denault says he has contacted the ministry for information on possible next steps.
(Richard Evans)
