In January, the Provincial government announced a review of Regional Governments, including Halton's, hoping to find efficiencies in Amalgamation.
A group of community leaders from the Town's Residents Associations have formed a group to fight any plan to amalgamate Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills into the City of Halton. We just cannot afford Regional Amalgamation - financially we cannot afford the cost, nor can we afford to lose our voice.
History has shown that amalgamation does not result in the efficiencies that were forecast. See the Fraser Report of May 2015 (Fraser Institute Report).
"There is significant evidence that Halton Region together with our Local Municipalities are effective and meet the needs of the people in Halton operating within the current structure." - Gary Carr, Regional Chair
The Province argues that it has been almost 50 years since regional governance has been reviewed. This just isn't accurate here. In the Halton Region, the structure has been reviewed on an ongoing basis. Efficiencies have been identified and implemented over the years.
Our current structure appears to be working fine - all four Towns are happy with the status quo. (See Regional Chair Gary Carr's letter to the Minister here.)
We don't believe that the residents of our Town are interested in:
- Paying more property taxes
- Receiving less service
- Losing our voice
If minor efficiencies can be identified in the current structure, we are happy to consider them, within the context of the current Municipal structure.
We already have strong, effective representation in our current Regional model. We love Oakville and are proud of the character and feel of our community.
If you feel as we do, please support our campaign. See our website If you feel as we do, please support our campaign. See our website We Love Oakville
and be sure to Like and Follow our social media : On Facebook, on Instagram @weloveoakville, and on Twitter
We have also started a Go Fund Me Page to get a campaign started Go Fund Me