Province will appoint facilitator to assess region’s governance structure by Sept. 11
Posted Aug 23, 2023 06:22:09 AM.
Last Updated Aug 23, 2023 11:07:11 AM.
Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark has announced a regional facilitator will be appointed to Waterloo Region by Sept. 11.
He announced the news while speaking at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in London on Tuesday. Facilitators will also be appointed in Durham, Niagara, Halton, York, and Simcoe County.
“These facilitators will be tasked with reviewing the structures that are in place in these fast-growing areas to ensure that they’re up for the job in delivering efficient, effective, and accountable government that residents both expect and deserve,” said Clark.
The province first said that they would be appointing facilitators in November of 2022. Clark said that they are needed to best ensure that more affordable housing is built quickly. The government has set a goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031.
“I know those of you who represent these communities, you’ve been waiting too long already for this announcement, I really appreciate your patience,” Clark said. “I want to ensure everyone that our focus has always been to get this right.”
Regional Chair Karen Redman said in a statement that the community is stronger together.
“We have an important story to tell in Waterloo Region around collaboration and past successes, but we also need to be bold and aggressive in addressing our future growth,” Redman said. “I look forward to working with the provincial facilitator and Ontario Government to drive efficiencies, build more homes and create a stronger community.”
Councillors around the region have had differing opinions on what Waterloo Region’s future governance structure should look like.
Redman told CityNews 570 in May that she does not want to see the region dissolved as Peel Region was earlier this year.
In June, six regional councillors–Rob Deutschmann, Jim Erb, Mike Harris, Chantal Huinink, Colleen James, and Kari Williams–called for amalgamation at a press conference. Councillors Doug Craig and Sue Foxton shared their opposition to that plan.
Cambridge Ward 8 Councillor Nicholas Ermeta has called for Cambridge to be cut out of the region.
