What happens next?

May 3: Closing date for submissions. May 23: Hearings begin. July-November: Commission decides whether to proceed with a final proposal for merger. November 2017-April 2018: Referendum on final proposal (if one is sought).

Mid-2018: If new council is approved, a transition body will be formed with representatives of the three current councils.

October 2018: Potential first election of the new council.