De-amalgamation report ready by September

By Andy Comber - July 2, 2008

Work on a document that will argue the benefits of splitting Harrow and Colchester South from the Town of Essex should be completed by September. That is what members of the South Colchester-Harrow Action Committee (SCHAC) told town council during their regular meeting June 23.

"We're asking for your continued indulgence," said Bruce Macdonald, chair of SCHAC, who presented council with a brief written update on their de-amalgamation efforts.

"We've been working at our own pace and offer our apologies for any inconveniences," he said.

Macdonald said SCHAC has been unable to obtain "a clear and concise direction" from the provincial government in regards to preparing a report supporting de-amalgamation.

"Our battle is with the provincial government and the bureaucrats in Toronto," Macdonald told council, referring to "obstructions" the group has experienced from higher levels of government.

"It is a lot more complicated than we thought," Macdonald said, "We have been frequently delayed by the disproportionate need for discussion and internal consultation."

Ward 1 Coun. Randy Voakes requested regular updates from SCHAC.

"Quite often I am challenged by the taxpayers on where we are with that de-amalgamation," said Voakes. "We're just asking for due diligence."

Voakes said he was comfortable with the September date for the completion of SCHAC's report.

Macdonald said SCHAC's work in preparing a report that would meet the requirements set out by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson was "progressing slowly and deliberately".

Watson has told the town and SCHAC that restructuring must show "property tax fairness for all residents" and "fiscal self-sustainability for all proposed new municipalities." In addition, the cost of any restructuring would have to be borne by the municipality, he said.

In March, Tim Ryall, regional municipal advisor for the ministry, told the town that the ministry could not provide legal advice, interpret the law or conduct research on behalf of the town, or any person or group.

Referencing the Municipal Act, Ryall said legislation does not permit "a restructuring that results in an increase in the number of local municipalities." Ryall said it was his understanding that the Essex proposal would result in an increase in municipalities, which would require an amendment to the legislation.

Ryall also advised that the report supporting de-amalgamation must be supported by "a double majority of the affected municipalities and the upper tier council (County of Essex)."