Mayors proud of efficiencies

Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette says a provincial review of regional governments could result in an amalgamation of Halton’s four municipalities but said it would have to provide “tremendous savings” in order for it to make sense.

“If there’s a way we can find efficiencies, that’s fine,” Bonnette said. “My concern is, is bigger going to be better? I’m not sure it’s in the best interest of Halton Hills.” Burlington MPP Jane McKenna said the idea that the provincial review would lead to amalgamation was speculative, but Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said it is a possibility.

“I have been told that all options are on the table,” he said, “including turning the split-level municipal government regions into single-tier large cities like the City of Halton, the City of Durham, the City of Peel, the City of York, the City of Waterloo, that kind of thing.”

“Once they start a review, you don’t know how it’s going to end up,” Bonnette said. “Obviously it’s a concern, but I think all four municipalities are well run. Halton Hills has a history of being financially responsible.”

Milton Mayor Gord Krantz said Halton is an unlikely candidate for amalgamation, calling it one of the best examples of a community with a functioning regional government structure.

Equally important to the financial aspects, Bonnette said government must be responsive. He cited an emergency meeting that was called to address parking on the boulevard section of driveways in the town as an example. He wonders if issues like that would be addressed as quickly as part of a Halton-wide government.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward agrees.

“There is something about local government that we need to protect and preserve because it provides immediate and direct access.”