On Friday, the provincial government announced that they will not be forcing amalgamations on any of Ontario’s eight regional governments or Simcoe County.
This will allow municipalities to continue making decisions on their own without the influence of the province.
Regional Councillor, Mike Cluett, says that Halton has a high satisfaction rate of 90%.
He is relieved that there will be no amalgamation.
Cluett adds the region is proud that Halton and other municipalities have been such an efficient form of government for taxpayers.
Regional Councillor Colin Best is also chair of the Association Municipalities of Ontario Regional Single Tier Caucus.
He tells us how he feels about the announcement.
Best adds that this takes away uncertainty that municipalities, and other bodies like hydros and conservation authorities, faced as they waited for this announcement.
Just over $143 million will be given to municipalities to help them lower their costs and improve their services.
Housing Minister, Steve Clark, talks about the key factors that made the government choose not to amalgamate.
He adds that local councils recognize the severe fiscal constraints the provincial government is under and want to work together to meet those fiscal targets.
Clark says the election taught him that Ontarians expect all levels of government to work together to provide them with policies that are in their best interests.
