'We're stronger together': 6 councillors say 1-tier region is the way to go

Six regional councillors are voicing their thoughts on the future of Waterloo region, saying the region's seven municipalities would be stronger as a one. 

Regional councillors Rob Deutschmann, Jim Erb, Michael Harris, Chantal Huinink, Colleen James and Kari Williams held a press conference Wednesday at regional headquarters on Frederick Street to voice their opinions.

Their stand comes as the province looks to appoint a facilitator to examine how the region is being governed and in the wake of breaking news from last month that Peel Region will be dissolved in 2025.

"We all believe that we're stronger together and that's why we're here today to communicate our position directly to our community that we represent, but also to the province," Coun. Harris said during the press conference.

"I know this conversation will likely be somewhat divisive. We understand and read what's happening in Peel right now."

Each councillor gave a statement as to why they believe the region should become one municipality with most of them citing more efficiency to provide services and operations, reducing confusion within the community as to what government is in charge of what and to show the province there are elected officials in the region speaking up.

"We want to assure Minister Clarke that there are indeed elected representatives who are advocating for one city in Waterloo region. One region-wide city," Coun. Deutschmann said.

He said the region's two-tier structure is showing its strain and as cities take on more responsibility to provide social services without financial support, having one municipality "would have the capacity to rise to the challenges of meeting the growing need and responsibilities in their communities."

Coun. James said 60 per cent of services come from the region and pointed to its 60 elected officials, saying there are areas where the region could be more efficient if it were to be one municipality.

"This isn't indicative of us being politically unstable, this is a way to ensure that we are operating as efficiently and seamlessly as one together," she said.

"We must think holistically about the future and not in silos.Operating in silos has not gotten us anywhere historically and it is the time right now where we need to come together."

Some local politicians disagree

Throughout the conference, the group said they recognize not everyone, including community members and elected officials, will agree with a one-tier municipality.

"We are not going to get 100 per cent cohesion. Look at Peel, there isn't cohesion there as well," James said.

Deutschmann said the group did not include the mayors in the press conference as "they own a special position in the community," and may want to take their stand individually or collectively.

Other elected officials that were not part of the group, but were in the room, included regional councillor for Cambridge Doug Craig, Cambridge councillor Scott Hamilton as well as North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton and North Dumfries councillor Derrick Ostner.

Craig and Ostner were critical of the press conference and challenged the idea of a single-tier municipality.

"I've heard a lot of opinions about economics will get better. A lot of opinions about being more efficient and a lot of opinions of services for everybody, but where are the facts to support that?" Craig said.

"All we got this morning is opinions."

Craig told CBC News after the meeting, he and other regional councillors, like Foxton, were not invited to speak at Wednesday's conference and said his biggest concern is that Cambridge will be a "forgotten suburb" in a one-tier system.

"We will be overpowered by the rest of the regional community," he said, adding Cambridge may be looking at two options in the future.

"I think what this has done this morning is forcing Cambridge now to look seriously at single tier for Cambridge and separating from the region. They're not including us now, they won't be including us in the future," he said.

Ostner said he doesn't agree with a single municipality because the two-tier governance is efficient and working for his township.

"I think staying as townships, I think that would be of the best interest and if there's going to be amalgamation, then amalgamate the townships," he said.

"We have everything our community, our township needs. We don't need the headache of the city to raise our taxes because that's all we're going to get. We're not getting [anything] more."