None of the eight candidates seeking a seat on Algonquin Highlands council were prepared to take a position on amalgamation at Saturday’s (Oct. 17) election forum, telling approximately 140 people gathered at the Stanhope Firefighters’ Hall there isn’t yet enough information to make an informed decision.
Mayoral hopefuls Liz Danielsen and Mike Lang, Ward 2 candidates Lisa Barry, James Cooper, Gary Trapp and Kent Wallace, and Ward 3 candidates Don Embree and Darren Wiebe avoided giving a firm answer when asked if they support the Eastern Ontario Regional Network’s (EORN) affordability and governance structure review.
The file was delivered to County council in August and addresses concerns over increased costs at the four lower-tier townships in recent years. In its report, EORN consultants presented four options that they claim offers a brighter future for locals – three of them recommending some form of amalgamation.
Danielsen and Lang both reassured the crowd amalgamation “is not set in stone”, though the incumbent mayor admitted something needs to change.
“We need to work together to ease the pressure on all taxpayers,” Danielsen said. “On County council, we need to learn to play better in the sandbox [with our municipalities].”
Lang said he hasn’t seen any credible solutions presented yet by EORN.
“We have the opportunity to work and find better solutions, that’s what this is opening the door for. There are no solutions yet.” In a previous interview with The Highlander, Lang said he didn’t support amalgamation.
Embree was the first of those running for councillor to address amalgamation. He said he wouldn’t support any major change until a full analysis of the financials had been completed.
“I want to know what the costs are going to be and what the savings are, if there are any to be had. I want to know what will happen with our services… and that Algonquin Highlands is not forgotten in this process,” Embree said.
Wiebe said he’d want to know what long-term priorities and financial commitments other townships have before agreeing to any merger. “Where would Algonquin Highlands stand in the pecking order of those priorities?” he asked.
Trapp said the next council should be prepared to ask some tough questions and make sure they have all the answers before making a final decision.
“We don’t want to be the outliers here. We want to make sure we don’t become another Kawartha Lakes in terms of how any amalgamation may be implemented,” Trapp said. “We want to make sure we get good representation.”
Cooper said he’s had conversations with existing members of council and township staff and doesn’t believe Algonquin Highlands’ financial situation is as bad as it is being made out. He also didn’t like how quickly EORN was looking to progress the file.
“The timeline is way too aggressive. I’ve been involved in corporate mergers before, and they take a long time. There’s a lot of moving parts… we need strong voices on council to make sure our needs are met,” Cooper said.
Wallace noted there is more information to come and said he wants to know exactly what services Algonquin Highlands would lose before agreeing to anything.
“We’ve only heard one part of the plans, there’s still another part coming – all the financials, what jobs will be lost, will we lose libraries? Will we lose anything?” he said. “As far as closing anything, losing any jobs locally, I would stand up against any of that.”
Barry felt the next council had more than just financials to consider.
“I think Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East especially have a lot to lose in a full amalgamation because I don’t think we’d have a weighted enough vote to make a difference,” she said.
Other issues
Lang received multiple questions from residents asking about his residential status – he said he splits time between Algonquin Highlands and Toronto. Asked how he would build relationships and provide effective leadership while spending so much time outside the community, Lang said he would make all his commitments if elected.
“I have attended everything that has been requested of me, I will always be here… I will be at everything and I will meet all requirements, I wouldn’t have run otherwise,” Lang said.
Prospective councillors were asked what their main priorities would be, outside of accountability and fiscal responsibility, if elected.
Wallace said working with the business sector to create more jobs and opportunities locally, bringing more affordable housing, and investing in infrastructure; Cooper wants to revise zoning bylaws to encourage development, make the Highlands more of a destination for the filming industry, and develop more of a four season economy; while Barry said she wanted to maximize and focus on the community’s existing assets.
Embree pitched greater protection of lakes and the environment, supporting local businesses and toeing the line come budget time; Wiebe wants to see the septic reinspection program start up again, make shoreline bylaws more robust and ensure they’re enforced, and review the short-term rental bylaw; and Trapp called for more collaboration with the other County townships, before considering amalgamation, while saying he’d also like to attract potential businesses to set up at Stanhope Municipal Airport to balance its budget.
