Oxford County Delegation Heading to Toronto to Discuss the Regional Review

Thursday, 25 April 2019 11:19

Last night County Council passed a motion saying they want to keep a two tier system in Oxford County and will send a delegation to Toronto to talk with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County has passed a motion saying they prefer a two tier system when it comes to the Regional Review.

The decision will ultimately be up to the Province, however the County wanted to go on record as saying they want to keep the two tier system in place and want to seek a Made in Oxford Solution. County Councillor Marcus Ryan says Oxford's position stems from the feedback from all of the lower tier municipalities.

"This decision is the result of all the area municipalities, including Zorra having taking a similar if the not the exact same position at all of their respective councils already. I think this is a good thing, I think that is the leadership that County council owes to residents, some clarity on what we think is best for Oxford."

County Council also approved the disbursement of $20,000 in one-time provincial funding to be matched by each of the eight area municipalities—for a review of municipal services currently delivered at the County and area municipal level. This is part of the County's goal to seek a Made in Oxford Solution to the Regional Review. Areas of focus will include lowering costs, improving service efficiency and effectiveness, streamlining how services are delivered, and clarifying accountability and responsibilities between the municipalities.

Ryan says Council will also appoint a delegation of County Councillors to attend a meeting with the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with the Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Oxford MPP, in Toronto on May 13.

"The point of that meeting is to discuss our position with the Minister and try and find out some more information on the process we are in, what is the timeline for the process and how it is going to proceed, so we can engage with the Province in a meaningful way and try to done a combination of what the Province wants and what the County wants, which you would hope is the ultimate goal of this review."

Regardless of Oxford's official position, the ultimate decision will be up to the Province.