On October 25, the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, provided an update on the Regional Review. The Minister announced the decision to not impose changes in size or structure to municipal governments. Instead of imposing “top down” changes, the Province will be allocating $143 million to local municipalities to help lower costs and improve services for residents over the long-term.
This is great news for Halton Region and for the 580,000 residents that rely on us to provide the programs and services that matter most to the community. We appreciate the Province’s recognition that municipalities are well positioned to determine what is best for their communities. In particular, acknowledging that Halton Region has always been fiscally responsible, with low taxes and a AAA credit rating, while delivering high quality programs and services.
Regional Council provided input and feedback to the Review Panel throughout the consultation process. I would like thank our residents and businesses who also participated – whether through letters, delegation, submissions or your strong local voices – you were heard.
We will continue to work with the province and local partners to find more efficiencies, provide a high level of service and keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.