Waiting on one

Montague only council left to opt in or out of Three Rivers proposal

Community councils in Valleyfield and Cardigan have voted to continue with the Three Rivers amalgamation proposal.

The Three Rivers steering committee is now waiting on Montague council, which represents the largest municipality involved in the discussions, to decide whether it is in or out of the proposed amalgamation.

Brian Harding, chairman of the Three Rivers steering committee, said that on Monday night Valleyfield council voted 5-0 and Cardigan council voted 3-2 to continue.

Last week, Lower Montague council also voted to continue with the process, while councils in Brudenell and Lorne Valley previously gave their OK.

“Out of the five communities, excluding Montague, there has been four (councils that voted) unanimous and one that was 3-2,” said Harding. “This is very positive for us, in the fact that five smaller communities voted for what they thought was best for the region as a whole, not for what was politically correct at the time.”

Montague council will be voting on the issue during its next regular council meeting on Monday, March 12.

In addition, Montague’s committee of council meeting on Monday, Feb. 26, will be the last opportunity for members of the public to give their input to council on amalgamation.

Montague saw a turnout of 31.7 voters cast a ballot in a plebiscite late last year with nearly 73 per cent of those in favour of amalgamation. The turnout was less than the 50 per cent threshold to make it binding.

Harding said he feels even if Montague decides to opt out of discussions, amalgamation could possibly go forward with the remaining five communities.

“I believe it would still be possible to do; it’s just something we’ve got to work out, but we are nearing the end of the road,” said Harding.

While community councils have generally voted in favour of amalgamation, last month saw unincorporated residents in three fire districts vote firmly against being involved in the Three Rivers proposal during a privately-sponsored plebiscite.

The plebiscite for unincorporated residents received 1,250 votes, with 1,174 voting against amalgamation.