The County of Haliburton, through consultant the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), has launched a community survey and announced five town halls as part of Its affordability and governance study.
On April 8, council unanimously endorsed the review; looking for ways to simplify government processes and provide better value
for taxpayers.
Beginning Monday (June 8), residents and business owners across the Highlands have been invited to share their ideas.
The County said the study team has developed a community engagement plan with opportunities for as many people as possible to share ideas.
Any decisions around the future of Haliburton County will be made by the 2026-30 councils.
“Through the study, we want to have an open discussion about how municipalities can deliver services in a way that is practical and affordable for taxpayers while also protecting what makes our communities special,” warden Dave Burton said. “I invite everyone in Haliburton County to take part in the engagement process and help shape our future.”
The public survey is available from June 8-28 at wadein. haliburtoncounty.ca and should take about 10 minutes to complete. Paper copies are also available at local municipal offices and libraries.
Five public open houses are scheduled for people to share their thoughts and ideas. Each in-person open house will include a presentation from the study team that begins 30 minutes after doors open. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
The County has written the minister of municipal affairs and housing for financial support – with the cost estimated at $100,000 to $150,000 – and the review to be completed by the end of this July. CAO Gary Dyke told council in the spring that independent scenario modelling can evaluate options ranging from targeted shared services and functional consolidations to a transition to a single-tier governance model, providing clear forecasts of tax and levy impacts over five, 10 and 20 years. He added the study would identify
one-time implementation and transition costs.
“A comprehensive study will strengthen any provincial funding request and demonstrate that local measures to ‘get our house in order’ have been thoroughly examined,” he added.
Open house dates:
- Tuesday, June 23, 2-4 p.m. at the Haliburton Legion.
- Tuesday, June 23, 6-8 p.m. at the Lloyd Watson Memorial Community Centre in Wilberforce.
- Wednesday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., virtual open house. Visit wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca to register. Registration is not required to attend
the in-person open house sessions. - Thursday, June 25, 2-4 p.m. at the Dorset Recreation Centre in Algonquin Highlands.
- Thursday, June 25, 6-8 p.m. at the Minden Community Centre
