Mayor Brian Saunderson told those responsible for reviewing regional governments under the Premier’s orders, to make sure changes are responsible and not one size fits all.
Saunderson met with Michael Fenn on Feb. 19. Fenn is one of the people appointed by the provincial government to undertake a review of regional governments including Simcoe County. He’s working with Ken Seiling to also look at the regional governments of Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County.
“It was my position that we are a two-tier system here, and that works very well,” said Saunderson. “We would not be served well by a single-tier system.”
The two tiers he’s referring to are the municipal level of government (Town of Collingwood) and the county level (Simcoe County).
Saunderson and Deputy Mayor Keith Hull are the two representatives from Collingwood on Simcoe County council.
Saunderson said Fenn asked mostly broadstroke questions during the meeting about service delivery, municipal decision making, and amalgamations or boundary changes.
“In terms of boundaries, we operate now with so many different boundaries,” said Saunderson, referring to the health unit, municipal, county, regional tourism, federal, provincial, and LHIN boundaries. “None of those boundaries are the same … If they want to rationalize service delivery, it’s not just municipal boundaries, you have to look at all these boundaries.”
Saunderson said he’s seeing a major emphasis on efficient service delivery.
“Any way we can find to deliver services at less cost and in a more nimble, responsible way to our constituents … I think we’re thinking along the same lines,” said Saunderson, adding he sees a place for regional partnerships, but within a two-tier system. “There’s ways to further rationalize the service delivery model … we need to keep it responsive. Times are changing and boundaries may shift and we have to be prepared for that.”
The Collingwood mayor did point out the discussion should be different from those happening over regional governments in the GTA.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all,” said Saunderson. “You can’t look at metrics you use to rationalize and streamline governments in larger municipalities for smaller municipalities.”
Saunderson said the discussion was positive and he felt good about his meeting with Fenn.
“My concern would be any decision made would have to be implemented in a responsible way … You need to be careful the changes you’re making are pushing you in the right direction,” said Saunderson. “They should provide better service, make sure tax dollars are being used well, and our autonomy is being respected.”
Simcoe County Warden George Cornell released a statement following his meetings with Fenn and Seiling calling the discussion a “reasonable first approach.”
“While the county continually evaluates ourselves internally through a lens of constant improvement and value processes, this current provincial review is an additional opportunity to look at the broader impacts of growth and change on municipal services and consider the most effective and sustainable ways forward,” stated Cornell.
Saunderson said Fenn and Seiling will be opening up the review to the public with an online portal and questionnaire seeking feedback from residents of Simcoe County. Saunderson said he expected to see that public engagement portion of the review active within the next 10 days.
