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Home My WebLink AboutCAO-004-19Clarftwn CAO Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: March 25, 2019 Report Number: CAO -004-19 Resolution: #GG -182-19 File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: Regional Government Review Recommendation: 1. That Report CAO -004-19 be received; and 2. That Council either, (a) advise staff which specific issues from the long list of issues on the Province's public survey (Attachment 5) it wishes to take a position on and direct staff to provide information in relation to those issues prior to the April 8, 2019 Council meeting; or (b) fill out the survey on an individual basis and encourage Clarington residents to do the same. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO -004-19 Report Overview Page 2 The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Hon. Steve Clark) announced on January 15, 2019 that the Government of Ontario will be undertaking a review of regional government. This report provides information in relation to the nature and extent of this review. 1. Background 1.1 At the General Governance Committee meeting on March 4, 2019, Committee passed the following resolution (#GGC-254-19): Whereas the Province has appointed two special advisors to make recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on improving regional governance and service delivery; Whereas the consultation process includes interviews by the advisory body with upper and lower tier heads of Council; Whereas the heads of council ought to consider, with their respective councils, such that they are reflecting the will of the Council that they represent, and such that the review is open and transparent in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Act, Now therefore be it resolved that: The head of Clarington Council place before Council, at its next Council meeting, in writing, the position put forth to the advisory body regarding Clarington Council; 2. Prior to further meeting with the advisory body, the head of Clarington Council submit any proposed recommendations to the advisory body for approval by Clarington Council, 3. That Staff be directed to prepare a Report proposing Clarington's input regarding the Province's Regional Governance Review; and 4. That this resolution be forwarded to the Region of Durham and the Durham municipalities. 1.2 A general description of the regional government review and the terms of reference for the special advisors can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-government- review. A copy of the information found at this link is attached to this report (Attachment 1). Municipality of Clarington Report CAO -004-19 Page 3 1.3 One of the first actions taken by the special advisors was to ask for a meeting with Heads of Council. A copy of the email invitation sent to Regional Chair Henry and all lower tier Durham Mayors is attached to this report (Attachment 2). 1.4 In preparation for their meetings with Regional Chair Henry and all Durham Mayors, the special advisors sent a proposed agenda. A copy of that email invitation dated January 30, 2019 is attached to this report (Attachment 3). In the email, it was made clear that only the Heads of Council and one staff member were invited to the February 25, 2019 meetings. I attended the meeting with Mayor Foster. 1.5 The following three fundamental questions were posed by the special advisors: What reforms would you recommend to promote better representation and decision-making? For example, do you favour any structural changes (e.g., moving to single -tier municipality or amalgamating existing municipalities)? If the two-tiered structure continues, do you think that the number of representatives on the upper -tier municipality should be reduced in number, or should they be elected or appointed differently? What reforms would you recommend to improve the quality and/or to reduce the cost and overlap of lower -tier and upper -tier municipal services? For example, should there be greater rationalization and more specific assignments of responsibility in such functional areas as: land -use planning; water, wastewater and storm water; public transit; health, housing and social services (public health, long-term care, hospital capital fundraising, social housing); etc.? Are there municipal special purpose bodies that should be considered as part of our review (e.g., conservation authorities, police service boards, library boards, health units (where separated), etc.)? This is the first comprehensive review of regional government in many years. The pace of evolution of municipal institutions is different from region to region, and is influenced by a variety of factors and innovations. In that context: Where do you see your upper -tier and lower -tier municipality ten years from now? 1.6 In an email dated March 5, 2019, Mayor Foster set out the position that he communicated to the provincial advisors on February 25, 2019. A copy of that email is attached to this report (Attachment 4). 1.7 At the meeting on February 25, 2019, we were advised by the special advisors that the Province would be creating a portal through which the public could provide input into its review of regional municipalities. We were also advised that they were hoping to have a confidential report prepared for Cabinet's review by the end of June of this year. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO -004-19 Page 4 1.8 On March 13, 2019, the Province launched its online consultation. Public input in relation to the review can be provided at https://www.ontario.ca/form/survey-regional- government-review. A copy of the survey is attached to this report (Attachment 5). 1.9 The website states that the Province "want[s] to hear your views on the way your municipal elected representatives make their decisions and represent your community" and they "also want your thoughts and observations on the efficiency, effectiveness and cost of the various municipal services that your municipalities provide." 1.10 The deadline for providing comments is April 23, 2019. 1.11 The Province has asked that the following themes be considered when completing the survey: x Improving representation and decision-making (for example, council size, selection process and municipal structure) x Improving the quality of municipal services and reducing costs (for example, land - use planning, public infrastructure, economic development and social services) x Where you see municipal governments in 10 years 1.12 These same themes were reflected in the agenda sent to Regional Chair Henry and local Mayors on January 30, 2019 (see section 1.5 of this Report). 1.13 The Province has requested that submissions be 500 words or less and that if the submission must go over 500 words, an executive summary and highlight your recommendations be provided. 1.14 At the meeting of March 18, 2019 Council endorsed Communication item 8, the Town of Whitby resolution regarding the Regional Review (Attachment #6). 2. Discussion 2.1 The manner in which the Province has set up its survey makes it very difficult to provide a consolidated position of any municipal council. The questions on the public survey, just like the questions on the special advisor's agenda for the meetings with Heads of Council, are opened -ended and far reaching. The survey does not lend itself to responses from municipal councils. 2.2 The survey is the main means by which the Province has attempted to engage the public in the review process. The window for providing comments is quite small given the significance of the issues that are being considered. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO -004-19 Page 5 2.3 Given the amount of time provided to complete the survey, there is little time available for Clarington Council to solicit and receive public input to inform a Council position in relation to the review. Based on our meeting schedule, a special meeting of Council would have to be called before the April 23, 2019 survey deadline if the desire of Council is to receive public input into its decision. 3. Conclusion 3.1 In light of the above, it is respectfully submitted that Council either, (c) advise staff which specific issues from the long list of issues on the Province's public survey it wishes to take a position on and direct staff to provide information in relation to those issues prior to the April 8, 2019 Council meeting; or (d) fill out the survey on an individual basis and encourage Clarington residents to do the same. Submitted by: Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B, CAO Staff Contact: Andrew Allison, CAO, 905-623-3379 Ext. 2001 or aallison@clarington.net Attachment 1 — Provincial description of Regional Government Review (with terms of reference) Attachment 2 — Invitation email dated January 24, 2019 Attachment 3 — Agenda email dated January 30, 2019 Attachment 4 — Email dated March 5, 2019 from Mayor Foster to Council Attachment 5 — Survey: Regional government review Attachment 6 — Town of Whitby Resolution March 8, 2019 Re: Regional Review Municipality of Clarington Attachment 1 to Report CAO -004-19 �rye r Ontario Regional government review We are reviewing the governance, decision-making, and service delivery functions of 8 regional municipalities and Simcoe County. Learn more about the review and how you can participate. Overview With the help of an advisory body comprised of 2 special advisors, we are reviewing regional governments and Simcoe County to help ensure that these municipalities are working effectively and efficiently, and can continue to provide the vital services that communities depend on. Participate in the review The review will include consultations with municipal councilors and leaders, stakeholder organizations and the public in the spring of 2019. The special advisors The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has appointed 2 special advisors as an advisory body to help with this review, Ken Seiling and Michael Fenn. The special advisors will follow the terms outlined in the terms of reference. Municipalities covered under the review The review covers Ontario's 8 regional municipalities (Durham, Halton, Muskoka District. Niagara, Oxford County, Peel, Waterloo, York), Simcoe County, and their lower -tier municipalities. In total, 82 upper and lower -tier municipalities are included in the review. Durham Region • Ajax • Brock • Clarington • Oshawa • Pickering • Seugog • Uxbridge • Whitbv https:/h,�tivw.ontario.c,i/page/regional-government-review 11/03/2019 Halton Region • Burlington • Halton Hills • Milton • Oakville Muskoka District • Bracebridge • Gravenhurst • Georgian Bay • Huntsville • Lake of Bays • Muskoka Lakes Niagara Region • Fort Erie • Grimsby • Lincoln • Niagara Falls • Niagara -on -the -Lake • Pelham • Port Colborne • St. Catharines • Thorold • Wainfleet • Welland • West Lincoln Oxford County • Blandford -Blenheim • East Zorra-Tavistock • Ingersoll • Norwich • South-West Oxford • Tilsonburg • Woodstock • Zorra Peel Region • Brampton • Caledon • Mississauga https://NNivw.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review 11/03/2019 Waterloo Region • Cambridge • Kitchener • North Dumfries • Wilmot • Waterloo • Wellesley • Woolwich York Region • Aurora • East Gwillimbury • Georgina • King • Markham • Newmarket • Richmond Hill • Vaughan • Whitchurch-Stouffville Simcoe County • Adjala-Tosorontio • Bradford West Gwillimbury • Clearview • Collingwood • Essa • Innisfil • Midland • New Tecumseth • Oro-Medonte • PenetanVguishene • Ramara • Severn • Springwater • Tay • Tiny • Wasaga Beach Terms of reference for the special advisors Background Since Ontario's regional municipalities were established in the 1970s. populations have grown or changed, infrastructure pressures have increased, and taxpayers' dollars are being stretched. https:/h�1vNa.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review 11/03/2019 The government is committed to undertaking a review of regional government and Simcoe County to help ensure that the upper- and lower -tier municipalities in these geographic areas are efficient and accountable to their residents and businesses. The review will cover Ontario's eight regional municipalities (Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County) and their lower -tier municipalities. Simcoe County and its lower -tier municipalities will be included in the review because of its rapid growth and associated challenges. Mandate 1. The mandate of the advisory body is to provide expert advice to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and to make recommendations to the government on opportunities to improve regional governance and service delivery. Recommendations from the advisory body will focus on the following questions: Questions on municipal governance and decision-making; a. Is the decision-making (mechanisms and priorities) of upper- and lower -tier municipalities efficiently aligned? b. Does the existing model support the capacity of the municipalities to make decisions efficiently? c. Are two-tier structures appropriate for all of these municipalities? d. Does the distribution of councillors represent the residents well? e. Do the ways that regional councillors/heads of council get elected/appointed to serve on regional council help to align lower- and upper -tier priorities? Questions on municipal service delivery; f Is there opportunity for more efficient allocation of various service responsibilities? g. Is there duplication of activities? h. Are there opportunities for cost savings? i. Are there barriers to making effective and responsive infrastructure and service delivery decisions? Responsibilities of the advisory body 2. The responsibility of the advisory body is to deliver expert advice to the Minister based on the subject -matter expertise of the two special advisors and the assessment of feedback received through the consultation process. The advisory body will solicit input from elected and appointed council members, municipal and business stakeholders and members of the public from the nine upper -tier municipalities and 73 lower -tier member municipalities. The consultation process will include, but is not limited to: a. initial interviews with all upper and lower -tier heads of council in early 2019 to elicit their views on an individual basis and to prepare for group consultations in spring 2019 b. consultations Nvith all nine upper -tier councils as well as the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) https:H\Ntivw.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review 11/03/2019 c. engaging key municipal associations such as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), etc. d. a provincially -hosted online consultation targeted to residents and businesses within the regions and Simcoe County e. accessing background information and expertise as needed to inform the review by meeting with municipal staff and appointed/elected officials, or by reviewing research, reports, and other materials f, other consultation methods deemed appropriate to solicit additional input from other stakeholders, communities and/or organizations Support for the advisory body 3. Staff from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will provide administrative support to the advisory body as needed. This may include, but is not limited to, logistical and writing support, the provision of access to relevant background information (e.g. research, reports), subject -matter expertise and setting meetings with municipal staff or elected and appointed officials. The advisory body will direct media inquiries to the Ministry. Deliverables 4. The advisory body will develop a work plan that will outline the proposed approach for delivering on the review and submit it to the Ministry on or. before January 18, 2019 for approval. 5. The advisory body will develop a detailed consultation plan for the review and submit it to the Ministry on or before January 31, 2019 for approval. 6. The advisory body will develop recommendations for the Minister for the purpose of improving governance, decision-making and service delivery in the regions/Simcoe County and their lower -tier municipalities, and actionable options for implementation. 7. These recommendations will be submitted in the form of a written document to the Minister, and could be specific to particular regions/Simcoe County to account for their different needs, challenges, resources and objectives. Timeframe 8. The work of the advisory body will begin on December 20, 2018. Recommendations will be submitted to the Minister in early Summer 2019. The Minister may retain the special advisors to assist with additional advice until September 30, 2019. Conflict of interest 9. Members of the advisory body are required to declare to the Ministry any actual. potential, or perceived conflict of interest arising in regard to any matter under discussion as part of the review. Confidentiality and access to information https://NNivw.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review 11/03/2019 10. Members of the advisory body shall not use or disclose any confidential information, either during or after the appointment, obtained as a result of their appointment for any purpose unrelated to the duties of the appointment, except if required to do so by law or authorized to do so by the Minister. 11. All materials produced by the advisory body, including research analysis, reports and recommendations, are the exclusive property of the Ministry and may be released publicly at the discretion of the Ministry. 12. Background research reports prepared for the advisory body are the exclusive property of the Ministry and may be made available to the public at the discretion of the Ministry. 13. Documents in the possession of the Ontario Public Service related to the work or support for the advisory body will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about the review If you have any questions or want more information, email its at reaionalgovreview(a,ontario.ca (mailto:reeionalgovreviewi2ontario.ca) . Updated: February 4, 2019 Published: January 15, 2019 Related List of Ontario municipalities (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Pagel591.aspx) https:/hxtivw.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-reviexv 11/03/2019 ATTACHMENT 2 TO REPORT CAO -004-19 Pascoe,Jane From: Coutu, Linda Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:27 AM To: Pascoe, Jane Subject: FW: Regional Government Review: Interviews with Durham Heads of Council February 25 From: Regional Government Review (MMA)[mailto:regionalgovreview@ontario.ca] Sent: January -24-19 2:29 PM To: lohn.henry@du rham.ca Cc: shaun.collier@aiax.ca; dbath-hadden@townshipofbrock.ca; MayorsExternalMailGroup <mavor@clarington.net>; mavor@oshawa.ca; mavor@pickering.ca; bdrew@scugog.ca; dbarton@town.uxbridge.on.ca; mitchelld@whitbv.ca; elaine.baxter-trahair@durham.ca Subject: Regional Government Review: Interviews with Durham Heads of Council February 25 Dear Regional Chair and CEO, As Minister Steve Clark announced on January 15, 2019, the Government of Ontario is moving forward with its commitment to undertake a review of regional government, to ensure that they work effectively and efficiently. We have been appointed as special advisors to the Minister, in support of this review, which will focus on the themes of municipal governance, decision-making, and service delivery in the seven Regional Municipalities, the District of Muskoka and the Counties of Oxford and Simcoe. We want to begin our review by hearing from the Heads of Council of all 82 lower- and upper -tier municipalities. As Heads of Council, you have unique experiences and knowledge of your municipalities, so as a first step we want to ensure that we hear your perspectives through individual interviews. To facilitate a productive and open conversation, we would like to come to your municipality on Monday, February 25 and have in-person meetings with you and each of the Heads of Council in your region individually. We would ask that you work with your lower -tier colleagues to schedule 30 minute interviews for each Head of Council, with a 15 minute buffer between each meeting. We would be available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on February 25 to ensure there is sufficient time to meet with the representative of each municipality in your region. During these meetings you and your lower -tier Heads of Council will be asked to share your perspectives with respect to the themes of municipal governance, decision-making, and service delivery. The conversation will be an opportunity to let us know what is working well in your municipality, as well as identify where there may be opportunities for improvement. We appreciate your assistance in facilitating these important meetings with all the Heads of Council included in the regional government review. These conversations will be an important building block for the review and informing our recommendations to the Minister. 1 We would ask that you please confirm the receipt of this email and share with us the location and schedule for the interviews at your earliest convenience, by Friday February 8 at the latest. Should you have any questions, please call Sarah Hubbs, Municipal Specialist at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at 416-585-6319 or email reaionalgovreview a(2ontario.ca Ken Seiling Special Advisor to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Regional Government Review Michael Fenn Special Advisor to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Regional Government Review Attachment 3 to Report CAO -004-19 Pascoe,Jane From: Coutu, Linda Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:28 AM To: Pascoe,Jane Subject: FW: Regional Government Review: Interviews with Durham Heads of Council February 25 Attachments: Agenda- RGR meetings with HoCs.docx From: Regional Government Review (MMA)[ma iIto: regi onalgoyreyiew@ontario.caI Sent: January -30-19 4:15 PM To: lohn.henry@durham.ca Cc: shaun.collier@alax.ca; dbath-hadden@townshipofbrock.ca; MayorsExternalMailGroup <mavor@clarington.net>; mavor@oshawa.ca; mavor@pickering.ca; bdrew@scugog.ca; dbarton@town.uxbridge.on.ca; mitchelld@whitbv.ca. elaine.baxter-trahair@durham.ca Subject: RE: Regional Government Review: Interviews with Durham Heads of Council February 25 Dear Regional Chair and CEO, Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, and for organizing the meetings with your lower -tier mayor colleagues. As our time together is limited, we would like to hear those things that you think it is most important for us to hear. We have attached an agenda for our meeting as a general guide for our conversations. In addition, we would like to pose three fundamental questions for you: 1. What reforms would you recommend to promote better representation and decision- making? For example, do you favour any structural changes (e.g., moving to single -tier municipality or amalgamating existing municipalities)? If the two-tiered structure continues, do you think that the number of representatives on the upper -tier municipality should be reduced in number, or should they be elected or appointed differently? 2. What reforms would you recommend to improve the quality and/or to reduce the cost and overlap of lower -tier and upper -tier municipal services? For example, should there be greater rationalization and more specific assignments of responsibility in such functional areas as: land -use planning; water, wastewater and storm water; public transit; health, housing and social services (public health, long-term care, hospital capital fundraising, social housing); etc.? Are there municipal special purpose bodies that should be considered as part of our review (e.g., conservation authorities, police service boards, library boards, health units (where separated), etc.)? 3. This is the first comprehensive review of regional government in many years. The pace of evolution of municipal institutions is different from region to region, and is influenced by a variety of factors and innovations. In that context: Where do you see your upper -tier and lower -tier municipality ten years from now? Finally, some Heads of Council have asked if they can be accompanied at their meeting by municipal staff. If you or your lower -tier colleagues would like to include one staff member in the interview, such as a CAO, you are welcome to do so, however it is not required, and we would ask that anyone else attending be staff and limited to one person. Thank you again for making time to meet with us, Ken Seiling and Michael Fenn, Special Advisors, Regional Government Review AGENDA: Regional Government Review Interviews with Heads of Council and Advisors 30 -minute Attendees: • Michael Fenn • Ken Seiling • Upper -Tier or Lower -Tier Head of Council o One municipal staff (optional) 1. Introductions 2. Discussions on what works well and what can be improved in the areas of: a. municipal governance, b. decision-making, and c. service delivery. 3. Other items 3 ATTACHMENT 4 TO REPORT CAO -004-19 Allison, Andrew From: Coutu, Linda Sent: March -05-19 1:58 PM To: Councillors Office; Department Heads; Mayors Office Cc: Admin Assistants Subject: Regional Governance Review Dear Councillors and Department Heads, Mayor Foster asked me to provide you with his comments below pertaining to Regional Governance Review. As noted at the Committee meeting on March 4th, the meeting that Mr. Allison and I had on Regional governance review was informal and far ranging, with dialogue being directed by both sides of the table. As best I recollect and in random order, some of the topics discussed follow. Mr. Allison will provide you with information that was prepared in advance, some dealt with, some not. Roads. There was discussion of the merits of having one road authority. The discussion centred around the merits of one authority and not who that authority might be. Planning and Ec/Dev. The suggestion was that planning functions (who does what) could be revisited and the process could be both simpler and more predictable. I suggested that the province should consider not simply moving things to an upper tier government, but may do well to consider moving functions down, to the local government. Land Division Approval Authority was discussed in some detail. Conservation Authorities, Discussion revolved around either properly funding CA's or considering how they might be better integrated in planning functions elsewhere. Council size. I shared that I believe we could revisit how many councillors currently sit at the Region. Emergency Services. I shared that we may wish to review how emergency services are delivered. Hospital Capital Funding. I shared concerns that the lower and upper tier municipalities should clearly understand the expectations about capital funding. On the value of maintaining local governments vs. one single `upper' tier, I shared that residents value the access and support that they get from a level of government that truly understands their needs and their community. Thank you, On behalf of Mayor Adrian Foster Linda Coutu, AMCT Executive Assistant to the Mayor Survey: Regional government revieNv I Ontario.ca ATTACHMENT 5 TO REPORT CAO -004-19 You're using an outdated browser. This website will not display correctly and some features will not work. Learn more about the browsers we support for a faster and safer online experience. Search Search Ontario.ca Search contact us francais Topics + • Business and economy • Driving and roads • Education and training • Environment and energy • Government • Health and wellness • Home and community • Jobs and employment • Law and safety • Laws • Rural and north • Taxes and benefits • Travel and recreation Survey: Regional government review Help inform our review of Ontario's eight regional municipalities and Simcoe County, and their lower -tiers. Share your thoughts on governance, decision-making and service delivery functions in these regions. Closing date: April 23, 2019 https://NvNNiv.ontario.ca/form/survey-regional-government-review 3/18/2019 Survey: Regional government review I Ontario.ca Overview In this consultation: • "municipality' refers to both upper and lower -tier municipalities • "upper -tier municipality" means your regional municipality or county government • "lower -tier municipality" means your city, town or township government View the full list of upper- and lower -tier municipalities. 1. Which upper -tier municipality are you commenting on for the purpose of this consultation? Please select one. Select - General 2. How would you describe the performance of the upper -tier municipality in terms of making decisions and delivering services in your community? 3. How would you describe the performance of the lower -tier municipality in terms of making decisions and delivering services in your community? 4. In general, how might upper- or lower -tier municipalities be improved? https://wN,�tiv.ontario.ca/form/survey-regional-government-review 3/18/2019 Surey : Regional eoN ernment re% ievc I Ontario.ca Governance Municipal councils vary in size and governance structures. For example, in some municipalities, council members can serve on both local and regional council. In others, council members can sit on only the lower -tier or the upper -tier council. All lower -tier municipal mayors sit on the upper -tier council. 5. Overall, how well do you feel represented by the current upper -tier council in the municipality? How might better representation be promoted? 6. Does the upper -tier council in the municipality achieve the right balance between upper -tier issues and lower -tier issues? Please explain. Decision-making 7. Are decisions in the upper -tier municipality made in a timely and efficient manner? Please explain. 8. Are decisions in the upper -tier municipality focused on the right priorities? Please explain. https://w�c\v.ontario.ea/fol'lll/surN'e} regional—ox'ernment-reN°iexc 3/18/2019 Sury e\- Regional government rev ie�\ I Ontario.ca 9. Are decisions in the lower -tier municipality made in a timely and efficient manner? Please explain. 10. Are decisions in the lower -tier municipality focused on the right priorities? Please explain. 11. How might municipal decision-making be improved? Service delivery Your municipal services could be delivered by your upper- or lower -tier municipality. The services vary for each municipality. For example, your upper -tier municipality may be responsible for arterial roads, area -wide land use planning, and health and social services. Your lower -tier may provide services for local roads, garbage collection, recreation, and local land use planning. 12. Are the services provided by the upper -tier municipality delivered effectively and efficiently? Please explain. https:/hcwxv.ontario.ca/form/surv'e} -regional-government-review 3/18/2019 Survey: Regional government review I Ontario.ca 13. Are the services provided by the lower -tier municipality delivered effectively and efficiently? Please explain. 14. How might the quality of municipal services be improved or be made more cost effective? 15. Please share any other feedback or ideas for improvement in the upper- and lower - tier municipalities. Tell us about yourself 16. Select all that apply. * ❑ I live in one of Ontario's regional municipalities or Simcoe County ❑ I own a second residence in one of Ontario's regional municipalities or Simcoe County ❑ I visit one of Ontario's regional municipalities or Simcoe County frequently ❑ I work in one of Ontario's regional municipalities or Simcoe County ❑ I am a business owner in an Ontario regional municipality or Simcoe County https://www.ontario.ca/form/survey-regional-government-review 3/18/2019 Survey: Regional government review I Ontario.ca ❑ I invest in, or I am a client of, a business in one of Ontario's regional municipalities or Simcoe County ❑ I am a member of council in an Ontario regional municipality or Simcoe County, and/or one of their lower -tier municipalities ❑ I am employed by an Ontario regional municipality or Simcoe County, or one of their lower - tier municipalities ❑ I am a member of a municipal sector organization ❑ I am an official of a labour organization serving public -sector employees ❑ Other 17. Which municipality do you live in? Select - Submit Updated: March 13, 2019 Rate Rate this page Share Face bookTwitterPrint Tags • Home and community, • Municipality https:Hwwcv.ontario.ca/form/survey-regional-govermnent-review 3/18/2019 Town of Whitby Office of the Town Clerk 575 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1 N 2M8 www.whitby.ca March 8, 2019 Michael Fenn, Special Advisor Appointed by the Province michael.fenn(a)ontario.ca Ken Seiling, Special Advisor Appointed by the Province ken. seiling(aD_ontario.ca Re: Regional Review Please be advised that at a meeting held on March 4, 2019 the Council of the Town of Whitby adopted the following as Resolution #94-19: Whereas, the Government of Ontario has announced a review of Ontario's eight regional municipalities, the County of Simcoe, and their lower -tier municipalities by appointed Special Advisors; Whereas, the provincially appointed advisory body will develop recommendations for the Minister for the purpose of improving governance, decision-making and service delivery in the regions and Simcoe County and their lower -tier municipalities; Whereas, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario informed its members that last August, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing began informal discussions, wishing to hear from people about how this system of governance is working recognizing it was established in the 1970s; Whereas, the provincially appointed advisory body has included in the review consideration of moving to single -tier municipalities or amalgamating existing municipalities; and, Whereas, neither the provincial review nor amalgamation was ever discussed during the recent provincial election by the Premier or our local Members of Provincial Parliament; Whereas, 73 percent of residents are satisfied with the customer service they receive from the Town of Whitby; Whereas 91 percent of Whitby residents indicate that the quality of life in Whitby is either good or excellent; Whereas the Town of Whitby has a history of finding efficiencies and savings while enhancing programs, services and facilities; Whereas the Town of Whitby has contributed to Durham Region's AAA credit rating; and, Whereas Whitby is recognized as one of Canada's best places to live. Now Therefore be it Resolved 1. THAT the Council of the Town of Whitby endorses the current effectiveness of our two-tier municipal government as it has evolved on mutual agreement with our partner lower -tier municipalities since its foundation in 1974; 2. THAT the residents of Whitby value their choices, voices and diversity of representation and residents should have their say before any change in municipal representation, or possible merger with other municipalities, 3. THAT Mayors and Councils be provided the opportunity to have their say before any change to municipal representation is made; and, 4. THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Special Advisors appointed by the Province, Durham Region municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and made publicly available. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Office of the Town Clerk at 905-430-4315. fft is op r Harris Town Clerk Copy: Association of Municipalities of Ontario 200 University Ave. Suite 801Toronto ON M5H 3C6 Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 clerk(cDdurharn.ca alexander. harras(a)-aFax. ca tgettinby(Dtownshipofbrock. ca clerksCa-,)clarington.net clerks(o-).oshawa.ca clerks(c)_pickering.ca jnewrnam( scu oc oq.ca dlerouxCcDtown.uxbridge. on. ca Page 2 of 2