Markham council backs governance modernization after mayor's push for York Region amalgamation

Mayor Frank Scarpitti mulls options for independent Markham or single-tier York Region

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 1, 2023
Yoyo Yan

In a significant move, Markham council unanimously voted July 27 in favour of a motion to modernize the current governance model in York Region. The decision comes as the city seeks to meet its present and future needs effectively.

The call for governance modernization aligns with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's recent advocacy for the amalgamation of York Region into one large city. Most mayors in York Region and Premier Doug Ford have said no to the consolidation request.

"So certainly one of the options could be a single-tier independent city for the City of Markham. Another option could be single-tier, all of York Region,” Scarpitti told YorkRegion.com.

If the two-tier system is left in place, the mayor says, significant changes are needed to better serve the residents and businesses.

Scarpitti further emphasizes the potential benefits of consolidation, such as streamlining services and saving costs. "I think there's good consolidation and there's also bad consolidation. And you can certainly take a look at the City of Toronto. That was a forced amalgamation."

The provincial government has announced that it will be assigning regional facilitators to York Region and other regions to determine what changes are needed to the current governance model.

As part of the upcoming regional review process, Markham council will explore various governance options, including the potential implementation of a new single-tier governance model. This model aims to streamline and expedite decision-making processes and eliminate duplication.

Scarpitti urges the provincial government to approach the facilitation process with an open mind facing such a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to make key changes to the five-decade-old two-tier system in York Region.

"If the provincial government is going to spend taxpayers' money on sending a facilitator here, I hope that facilitator has an open mind and they will look at these options,” he said.

Markham council's decision includes directing city staff to undertake the analysis required to support exploring a new governance model. The final consultant report is expected to be completed by the end of October 2023.

The motion, moved by regional councillor Joe Li and seconded by regional councillor Jim Jones, highlights Markham's unique position as Canada's high-tech capital, with a vibrant and diverse community.

The city's impressive record of maintaining the lowest average tax increase in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area for 18 consecutive years and its commitment to housing targets underscores its growth and development potential.

The council resolution will be forwarded to key stakeholders, including the premier of Ontario, the minister of municipal affairs and housing, York Region MPPs, the Regional Municipality of York, and the nine lower-tier municipalities of York Region.