Markham mayor looks to consolidate York region, other mayors in region not on board
Posted June 14, 2023 1:59 pm.
Last Updated June 14, 2023 6:38 pm.
Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti is asking the province to review York Region’s current structure and to reduce the local and regional governments into one region.
Scarpitti released the statement Wednesday, citing the restructuring of Toronto and Peel Region, saying he believes the same needs to be done for York Region.
“I am calling on the provincial government to consolidate all the municipalities in York Region into one city. York Region is made up of 10 municipal governments – nine local municipalities (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville) and the Regional Municipality of York,” said Scarpitti in the statement.
“This provincial government has taken bold steps restructuring the City of Toronto Council and Peel Region and should be doing the same for York Region. There is no rationale for taking bold steps in other GTA cities and keeping the status quo in York Region.”
On May 18, the province introduced Bill 112, The Hazel McCallion Act, which was passed on June 6. The act will dissolve Peel Region as of Jan. 1, 2025, and make Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga single-tier municipalities.
Not everyone agrees with Scarpitti, as Mayor Tom Mrakas of Aurora tweeted, “York Region municipalities are distinct communities. While efficiencies are needed, I strongly oppose amalgamating into a megacity as Mayor Scarpitti suggests. I look forward to working with fellow Mayors and the Province to strengthen how we serve and build our communities.”
Scarpitti believes the current model is several decades old, and residents would save money under one government as York Region has a total of 77 municipal representatives for 1.2 million people while the City of Toronto has 26 municipal representatives for three million people.
The combined operating expenses of all 10 municipal governments in York Region totals approximately $4.4 billion.
“Consolidating into one city would result in significant savings in both operating and capital budgets. Municipalities invest millions in cybersecurity, water billing, tax billing and recreational registration systems. A consolidated city will generate substantial savings,” he continued in the statement.
“Municipalities have evolved, they deal with more complex issues, are expected to deliver more, and we need an updated governance model from the one established over 50 years ago.”
Many other mayors in York Region have criticized Scarpitti for not consulting others when making the bold statement and also that some of his claims are untrue.
“I fundamentally disagree with the position put forward by Mayor Frank Scarpitti … let’s just start with the claims to great financial savings. You know, that’s highly speculative… no savings of any significance were realized for that process,” John Taylor, Mayor of Newmarket, told CityNews.
“So if that’s the cornerstone of the reason to move forward in such a dramatic fashion, I would say that’s a weak cornerstone.”
Taylor also said that Scarpitti did not ask for the input of many of the residents in the region about the decision to consolidate.
“What about the voice of the people before we go ahead and just reconstruct their government? What do they think? What do they want? How do they feel? And so, I think that’s another important step in the process that we should be looking to,” said Taylor.
Scarpitti says it is just an option he has put forward as provincial facilitators will be examining and deciding what will be done in regards to certain regions, and believes it will strengthen the ability to deliver from a government standpoint.
“We’re part of the GTA, our issues are as complex and as big here in York Region as they are in those areas, and because the facilitator will be coming in and examining options, I wanted to present one that I thought was viable in our area,” said Scarpitti.
