The provincial review of Simcoe County’s governance and service delivery announced on Jan. 15 has Collingwood’s mayor cautiously optimistic.
“I think it’s good to have the discussion, but how things are implemented going forward … the devil is in the details,” said Mayor Brian Saunderson.
The announcement from the provincial government indicated the purpose of the review will be to search out opportunities to make it easier for residents and businesses to access municipal services, make municipalities open for business, and cut red tape and duplication to save costs.
It is early days still, and there are few details available on exactly what the scope of the investigation will be. Saunderson said he’s read the terms of reference put out by the province.
“I don’t have a problem with the idea of looking at regional government and making sure it’s efficient and represents the interests of our residents,” said Saunderson. “What you’d hope to see is that we’re doing things well, and if there are ways that can be improved, that those ways will make us more nimble and responsive both from a municipal and a county level. What you don’t want to see is change for change’s sake.”
The review will be lead by Michael Fenn, a deputy minister and founding CEO of Metrolinx, and by Ken Seiling, formerly the chair of Waterloo Region. In addition to the Simcoe County government, the two will be looking at the regional governments of Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County.
Local residents and businesses will be consulted in spring 2019.
Saunderson said he didn’t know if the review would include looking at and possibly changing county boundaries.
“We’ll have to see,” said Saunderson. “At the end of the day, you hope it respects the autonomy of the various municipalities involved.”
Saunderson was a member of Simcoe County council last year as the deputy mayor of Collingwood. He returned to County council this year as mayor, and Deputy Mayor Keith Hull is also on the council to represent Collingwood.
Simcoe County Warden George Cornell said it’s important for all levels of government to work together for the process.
Simcoe County is one of Ontario’s largest county, with a population nearing 500,000. It includes 16 lower-tier municipalities and the two separated cities of Barrie and Orillia.
