Six Region of Waterloo councillors announce support for amalgamation
One unified city – that’s what six Region of Waterloo councillors say they want when it comes to the future of the region’s municipal governance.
The councillors hosted a news conference Wednesday morning to make the announcement, sharing statements and explaining why they’re pushing for amalgamation.
Those in attendance supporting the potential move were councillors Colleen James, Michael Harris, Kari Williams, Robert Deutschmann, Jim Erb and Chantal Huinink.
“The holistic approach, as a result, will maintain stronger arts and culture, social services, economic vitality,” Coun. James said during the press conference.
They said one unified city, as opposed to the seven separate municipalities that exist now, would better serve residents.
“Overall, I think we reorganizing the government to one level will save taxpayers money and will increase the level of service in the region [we] will be able to provide,” Coun. Williams said.
Regional Councillor Rob Deutschmann helped organize the conference after a discussion with Coun. James. He acknowledged that a press conference where six councillors make joint statements is “unchartered waters,” but he said they wanted to get the attention of residents and the province.
He said amalgamation would be “more effective and efficient in the future.”
“A partial amalgamation, such as the north and south of [Highway] 401, would be less effective than one unified, region-wide city,” Deutschmann said during the conference. “It would not allow for the true potential of the entire region to be maximized. As regional councillors we are seeing the impact of our growing community, the social impact and the rising costs associated with addressing the needs of our community.”
The news conference comes weeks after the Doug Ford government announced the break up the Region of Peel, paving the way for Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon to become independent cities.
The Waterloo regional councillors who spoke Wednesday said it’s important for them to take a firm stance on the hot-button issue.
“We can't whisper. We’ve got to roar. We have to let people know what’s going on,” Coun. Deutschmann said.
NOT EVERYONE IS ON BOARD
Regional councillor Doug Craig, who represents the City of Cambridge, was not included in the press conference. Craig said he did not find out that it was happening until Wednesday morning.
“I’m shocked that they would act this way,” Coun. Craig told CTV News, after the conference ended. “It’s complete nonsense. We’re getting from these people or opinions you’re not getting any facts.”
The six councillors who spoke at the conference represent constituents in Kitchener and Waterloo.
“This group here talks about silos, collaboration, about stronger together and leaves out a city out, the City of Cambridge and four townships,” he said.
There are 15 Regional of Waterloo councillors, including mayors of cities and townships, plus the regional chair.
The six who banded together said amalgamation would be better for tax payers and for the future of the region. Craig thinks the opposite is true.
“You’ll get higher taxes. You’re going to end up having less input into the system because you’ll have less elected officials,” Coun. Craig said.
NEXT STEPS
The six regional councils said the point of the news conference was to start a discussion and let the province know they are interested in amalgamation. Nothing is set in stone at this point.
“We have lots of research to do. Let’s keep talking. Let’s see what the numbers say,” Deutschmann said.
They admitted it is very early days, and they are open to different opinions and future discussions.
“Politics is a lot about agreeing to disagree respectfully, and I would hear their concerns particularly around maintaining community identity,” said Coun. Huinink after the conference.
Waterloo region is one of five in the province that will see a provincial facilitator appointed to assess what's working and what isn't in local government.
“We know that a provincial Facilitator will be coming in in the foreseeable future, and we have a solution to offer, and so we need to share that,” Coun. Huinink said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.