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5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,January 17,2019 theifp.ca Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette said a provincial review of regional govern- ments could result in an amalgamation of Halton's four municipalities but said it would have to provide "tremendous savings" in or- der for it to make sense. "If there's a way we can find efficiencies, that's fine," Bonnette said. "My concern is, is bigger going to be better? I'm not sure it's in the best interest of Hal- ton Hills." The Ontario govern- ment announced Tuesday afternoon that it is moving forward with a review of re- gional governments to en- sure they are "working effi- ciently and effectively." The review will cover eight regional municipali- ties in Ontario, including Halton Region and its four municipalities. "Our government is committed to improving the way regional govern- ment works and we will be looking at ways to make better use of taxpayers' dol- lars and make it easier for residents and businesses to access important munici- pal services," said Steve Clark, minister of munici- pal affairs and housing. While there was no men- tion of amalgamation in the government's announce- ment, Premier Doug Ford moved swiftly to reduce the size of Toronto city council from 47 members to 25 after he was elected. Burlington MPP Jane McKenna said the idea that the provincial review would lead to amalgam- ation was speculative, but Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said it is a possibility. "I have been told that all options are on the table," he said, "including turning the split-level municipal gov- ernment regions into sin- gle-tier large cities like the City of Halton, the City of Durham, the City of Peel, the City of York, the City of Waterloo, that kind of thing." "Once they start a re- view, you don't know how it's going to end up," Bon- nette said. "Obviously it's a concern, but I think all four municipalities are well run. Halton Hills has a his- tory of being financially re- sponsible." Milton Mayor Gord Krantz said Halton is an un- likely candidate for amal- gamation, calling it one of the best examples of a com- munity with a functioning regional government struc- ture. "I know how well and how efficient Halton oper- ates and that includes the four municipalities," he said. "But there are other regions that I know of that aren't." Krantz said when the provincial government was elected in June there was some mention of the possi- bility of amalgamation or restructuring of some re- gions. He noted that while Halton was never singled out, Niagara was. When asked how likely it was that the provincial review could result in some kind of amalgamation, Oakville Progressive Con- servative MPP Stephen Crawford said, "Ontario's system of regional govern- ment has been in place for almost 50 years. We started (the review) with some thoughtful conversations at the AMO (Association of Municipalities Ontario) conference and want to en- sure our growing commu- nities are well supported by the most appropriate and effective forms of local gov- ernment. This means we will be looking at all the ar- eas that are currently working and see if there are other areas that can be im- proved on." Burton takes issue with the idea of amalgamation for Halton. "I feel I have a duty to point out that all these AMALGAMATING HALTON MUNICIPALITIES NOT 'IN BEST INTEREST OF HALTON HILLS,' MAYOR SAYS HERB GARBUTT hgarbutt@metroland.com NEWS See - page 6 Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette says a provincial review of regional government could result in amalgamation of Halton's four municipalities, something he says he's not sure is "in the best interest of Halton Hills." Alexandra Heck Local journalism makes a difference. Support us by registering at theifp.ca Locally Owned & Operated since 1958! and all auto clubs.Provider for Freight up to 32,000 lbs Dock level or ground Enclosed Trailer SINCE 1958 905-877-4471 • Georgetown Serving Georgetown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills • Live Dispatch • Scrap Removal • Priority Response • Towing, Hauling Services rving Georgetown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills 46 Guelph St. years in a row! 18 getown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills getown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills getown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills 905.877.5236 web@nhgcc.ca | www.nhgcc.ca Insta Halton Hills' Premier Location for Golf, Curling, Corporate and Special Events.