Yesterday, the Ontario Government provided more details surrounding its plan to review regional government in Ontario, a project first announced in July 2018. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, appointed Michael Fenn and Ken Seiling as Special Advisors who will bring extensive municipal experience to the review process.

Kitchener and Waterloo Region have a long, proud history as great communities to live in. Residents have always risen to the challenge when asked to get involved and provide their input on issues that are important to our collective future. I believe strongly that our local governments make better decisions when our community comes to the table and I will advocate strongly for this review to include meaningful engagement of our community.

Kitchener is one of the best run municipalities in Ontario with a long tradition of collaboration with Waterloo Region and the six other local municipalities that make up our region.  This review will provide an opportunity to share the best practices which can be found within our community, including our many joint services initiatives.  It will also present an opportunity to explore areas where we can become even stronger.  

It will be important for the review to consider the following as part of its process:

  • How to deliver high quality services in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible,
  • How to ensure that Kitchener and Waterloo Region continue to be economic drivers for the Province for job creation, economic growth and our unique ability to attract and retain talent,
  • How to ensure that Kitchener citizens continue to have the best possible model of representation so that our community remains one of the best places to live, work and play.

In the coming weeks, together with City Council, our local and regional and elected colleagues, and most importantly, our community, I welcome the dialogue that will occur about our community's collective future.  I also look forward to discussing these important considerations with the Special Advisors and Minister Clark. 

While the Province engages in this review, residents and businesses can be assured that the City of Kitchener Council and staff will maintain the positive momentum and good work that is underway in support of our vision to build an innovative, caring and vibrant community.    

- 30 -