Should we amalgamate York Region municipalities? Give your opinion

Province launches online survey for governance review

Yorkregion.com
March 15, 2019
Lisa Queen

Should we have nine municipalities, plus a regional government in York Region?

Does it make sense to cut the number of local governments we have, or is the present system working well?

The Ontario government, which has launched a review of municipal governments in York, Simcoe County and other areas, is giving you a chance to weigh in on the issue.

It has launched an online consultation inviting people who live or work in the 82 upper- and lower-tier municipalities under review to comment by April 23.

"We promised the people of Ontario that all levels of government would work harder, smarter and more efficiently," Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark said in a statement.

"Our government is putting people first by seeking local input on how to improve governance, decision-making and service delivery for regional governments and their member municipalities."

In addition to the online survey, special advisers Michael Fenn and Ken Seiling are meeting with municipalities and stakeholder groups.

They will provide their recommendations to Clark this summer.

"I look forward to receiving the recommendations and hearing what is working in the regions and Simcoe County, and what can be improved," Clark said.

To take the online survey, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-regional-government-review.