I know some readers’ eyes will glaze over at the words ‘final report for community-wide affordability and governance structure study.’ Others will pour a strong cup of coffee and seek out the full report. However, all of us should take interest in what is going on at the municipal government level right now.
Do you pay taxes? Well, this impacts you. Are you planning to ever renovate or build something? This will affect you. Does the town snowplow your road? Well, that’s in there, too. Do you use the landfill? How you use it might change. Go to the library? You are starting to get the picture.
The County hired the Eastern Ontario Regional Network to do an independent, third-party, review of how the County and local governments are doing. The Coles’ notes answer to that question is ‘not very good’.
They are facing rising infrastructure costs, inflation, expensive legislative requirements, and limited assessment growth. The bulk of their tax bases are residential, far above other towns and cities in the province that can draw money from industrial and commercial properties.
When they were doing their 2026 budgets, it was indeed a wake-up call that things cannot continue the way they have been.
All five are depleting reserves at an alarming rate and borrowing more and more money to get things done. It is unsustainable. Long-term financial sustainability requires strategic planning, disciplined financial management, and ongoing investment in infrastructure and services.
Many will focus on the governance aspect of this report. There are four models under consideration. The status quo: I think we can all agree that is no longer an option. Amalgamation? Don’t like that prospect? Think it’s time has come? There’s one where the County takes on some of the big-ticket items and the towns remain, but with more limited responsibilities. The other option is to have the County still take on the big stuff, and four towns become two. The example I’m hearing is the Hwy. 35 towns of Minden Hills and Algonquin Highlands joining forces, with Dysart et al and Highlands East combining. I can hear the arguments over that model starting as we speak.
But, here’s the thing. Something is broken and needs fixing and I implore not only councillors, but staff, and the general public, to keep an open mind. Don’t just read the report. Well, it is 178 pages. However, there is a good slide deck on the Aug. 12 County council agenda that is more accessible for those pressed for time.
The consultants will continue to seek feedback. You can still offer an opinion. After all, do you pay taxes? Are you planning to ever renovate or build something? Does the town snowplow your road? Do you use the landfill? Go to the library?
This decision is yours as much as it is that of elected officials for 2026-2030. Don’t forget, they’re the ones who will vote on the change. It’s just another reason why you should get on the voters’ list, pay attention to what candidates have to say, and, of course, vote. The future is in your hands.
