Status quo more likely than not for Region of Waterloo, regional review is now under review : Ex prof

The regional review is under review and at least one local expert says that likely means sticking with the status quo in the Region of Waterloo.

It’s been nearly a year now since the province first announced it would appoint ‘facilitators’ to conduct a review of regional governance structures in Ontario.

That announcement came in November 2022 and kickstarted a conversation here in the Region of Waterloo about the potential for amalgamation versus a regional split like was announced for Peel Region just over half a year later in May 2023.

But, with a Sep. 11 deadline to name a facilitator set by the now previous housing minister having come and gone, the new minister of municipal affairs and housing has said he will instead be conducting a review of the review, with an update on “next steps” by month’s end.

Then question then, according to some, will the review of the review result in no review at all?

“I’m frankly skeptical of that, partly because this decision to hold these reviews was announced last November and, even in August, the minister wasn’t able to name anybody, ” said Bob Williams, a professor emeritus of political science from the University of Waterloo.

Speaking on The Mike Farwell Show on Tuesday, Williams said his interpretation of this latest delay is that the province doesn’t have any ‘facilitators’ lined up.

“If there were facilitators lined up and ready to go, why didn’t they go?” he asked. “The fact that they’re kicking it down the road again suggests, to me, that part of the whole process hasn’t been pinned down yet.”

Meantime, asked for reaction to the latest delay, Region Chair Karen Redman reiterated her belief the region remains stronger as one.

“We are stronger together, as I have said from the beginning,” reads a statement from Redman’s office. “The Region of Waterloo delivers essential services that people rely on everyday. I am focused on addressing the housing crisis and improving quality of life for everyone who calls Waterloo Region home. I look forward to continued conversations with residents and provincial partners on this issue.”