Six regional councillors advocate for amalgamation

At a press conference inside Regional Headquarters on Wednesday morning, six Waterloo Region councillors made their opinions clear.

They want to see the two-tiered government in the region be replaced by a single tier and just one voice.

Councillors Rob Deutschmann, Jim Erb, Mike Harris, Chantal Huinink, Colleen James, and Kari Williams said that amalgamation is the best path forward.

The press conference happened after Ontario announced plans to dissolve Peel Region and to appoint a facilitator to other two-tiered municipalities including Waterloo Region.

“I want to reduce the confusion that occurs when people are not sure who provides what services and when new councillors are not sure who does what,” said Huinink. “As seven municipalities, we are economically disadvantaged.”

The six councillors brought up a variety of points including the success of services run by the region as well as businesses that have merged recently.

“We hear a lot about building housing faster, the benefit of one municipality will allow for perhaps a quicker, seamless transition to actually build more homes faster,” said Harris.

All the councillors on the panel at the press conference represent Kitchener or Waterloo. Both Cambridge Regional Councillor Doug Craig, and North Dumfries mayor Sue Foxton were in the audience.

“We are not going to get 100 per cent cohesion, look at Peel,” James said. “If we are looking at things holistically, it’s thinking about the greater good long-term for everyone.”

Craig and North Dumfries City Councillor Derrick Ostner both voiced their opinions during the availability. Ostner said taxes would rise if amalgamation were to occur, and that North Dumfries has a good handle on financial issues.

Craig is against amalgamation and said he wanted to hear more facts.

“I think they should speak, but I think they should start providing some facts,” he said. “If in fact, we’re going to have better services, show us the facts. If they are going to have less cost, show us the facts. What we got [Wednesday] morning were nothing but opinions.”

There is no timetable as to when the provincial government will appoint a facilitator to address the situation or when a final decision will be made.

Six Regional Councillors have gathered for a press conference to discuss the future of Waterloo Region after the provincial government announced Peel Region will be dissolved. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/RF0FnRasUM

— Jonathan Strom (@jonathan_strom) June 7, 2023