Municipal governments and residents across York Region and Simcoe County are waiting on the edge of their seats for the outcome of the provincial regional governance review.
While special advisors Ken Seiling and Michael Fenn were due to provide their report to the province on the topic by early summer, no report has been received yet and no new timeline has been officially announced.
When the regional governance review was initially announced, the special advisors were expected to report back to the province by early summer. No new time estimate has been provided.
Messages left for special advisors Ken Seiling and Michael Fenn were not returned by publication time.
When an interview was requested with Steve Clark, the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, spokesperson Praveen Senthinathan instead sent a news release. Follow-up requests to the ministry for an interview with Clark were not returned.
“The outcomes of the review are not predetermined,” wrote Senthinathan. “We received over 8,500 submissions through the consultation process. The special advisors, Michael Fenn and Ken Seiling, also attended nine in-person sessions and listened to almost 100 individuals and organizations present their ideas on how to improve their local governments.”
Senthinathan said the advisors are still assessing the feedback, with the recommendations still expected sometime this summer.
“Next steps will be determined after the recommendations have been received and reviewed by our government,” Senthinathan wrote.
On Jan. 15, the province announced a review of the regional government model, including York Region, to ensure regional governments are working efficiently.
Last April, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor wrote a letter on behalf of council to the advisers suggesting they explore the partnership the northern six municipalities of York Region formed more than a decade ago.
The northern six collaboration, commonly referred to as the N-6, is comprised of Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, King Township, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and Georgina. Its respective mayors and chief administrative officers meet regularly to monitor its ongoing efforts to purchase and deliver services across northern York Region more efficiently and economically, such as waste management, audit services and professional development.
A major collaboration between Newmarket and Aurora often referred to as an example of efficient service delivery is the merger of the two municipality’s independent fire services into the Central York Fire Services.
Last May, York Regional Council passed a resolution endorsing the region's existing two-tier governance structure as the most effective means to deliver infrastructure and services to York Region communities and residents.
— With files from Kim Champion
