Waterloo council to province: We support 2-tier government

In the face of speculation about amalgamation, Waterloo city councillorshave voted unanimously to send a message to the province that council wants the current two-tier system to remain in place in Waterloo region.

Council held a meeting Monday to discuss the current provincial review of regional governments.

Mayor Dave Jaworsky brought forward a motion showing council's support for the current system, which sees the cities and townships form a lower-tier government while the Region of Waterloo serves as the upper tier.

During discussion on the motion, Ward 6 Coun. Jeff Henry said the process of this review is different from any previous review, he said.

"There's been no back and forth around what the issues are, what the possible solutions are, what the data supporting those suggestions are," said Henry.

The province's special advisers who are heading up the regional review have met with local political leaders, held public consultations and opened an online consultation for anyone who wants to weigh in.

Ward 2 Coun. Royce Bodaly argued researchers have found there is no cost savings when communities are amalgamated.

"Amalgamation does not save money. Amalgamation does not save money, and maybe I'll repeat it again: Amalgamation does not save money. But I think we have to say this over and over again," he said.

• Study debunks benefits of Mike Harris-era amalgamation in Ontario

Jaworsky said the goal of the meeting was to give councillors a chance to speak out on the subject. Their views will be forwarded to the special advisers who are doing the review for the province.

Jaworsky noted the public has until May 21 to provide feedback through an online form.

• Ontario's regional government review survey

The special advisers, Michael Fenn and former regional chair Ken Seiling, are expected to complete their review of 82 upper and lower municipalities and prepare a report for Minister of Municipal Affairs Steve Clark early this summer.

Clark has stressed there's no predetermined decision on amalgamation, and he is waiting to review the Seiling-Fenn report to see what they recommend.

Clark has also said he will wait to see what's in the report before determining whether he'll release the findings.

• FULL COVERAGE: Ontario municipal review