Amalgamation is no longer an option.
That is what the County of Barrhead told Michael Scheidl, manager of municipal disputes resolution services through Municipal Affairs. Scheidl visited the county chambers to clarify a letter that was received by the council from the minister of municipal affairs, Danielle Larivee, at their regular meeting on May 3.
“The whole purpose of the meeting was to review the letter that was received and to make sure the county understood the expectations and intentions of Minister Larivee,” Scheidl said, adding amalgamation is not recommended at this time and the focus of future proceedings will be centred on developing a functional recreational agreement between the town and the county.
“Recreation is a subject of much disagreement between both municipalities despite a desire from your ratepayers for both councils to work together, and the minister is directing that the councils collaborate in the preparation of a renewed recreation agreement that has to be finalized, and submitted, within the next six months,” he said.
If the councils are unable to come to an agreement this time, Scheidl warned, section 570(c) of the Municipal Act gives Larivee the authority to make a decision, adding because of the work already laid out through the amalgamation negotiations process, coming to an agreement should not be difficult.
“There are a few places where neither yourselves, nor the town council wholly agree, but we are hoping with a mediator present, we can get some resolutions and get some momentum going,” he said.
In the meantime however, Scheidl said council is expected to formulate a work plan that outlines their approach in developing a recreational agreement with the town, and he recommended scheduling monthly or bi-weekly progress meetings with a mediator from municipal affairs.
“We will be working with both municipalities in terms of our expectations of the work plan and we’ve already spoken with Martin Taylor and Mark Oberg,” he said, adding the difficult part will be scheduling and was aware it will be an issue.
While some members of the council were excited by the prospect of the pending negotiations, the wording of the letter from Minister Larivee gave them pause collectively.
Reeve Bill Lee cautioned that his counterparts on town council might mistake the language as affirmation that amalgamation is still an option.
“If it is perceived as an option down the road, why would either side get along? It has to be very clearly understood that amalgamation is not going to happen, not for this council,” Lee said. “If that is the case and from what I understand it is, then let’s get a letter that says so in black and white. No maybes, no ‘not at this time’ stuff. I can speak for the council when I say we would all feel a lot more comfortable if both sides understand that.” Coun. Darrel Troock agreed, adding in his opinion, it is impossible to negotiate with someone who is holding a metaphorical gun to ones head.
“To be fair, we haven’t had a chance to delve into any other options yet because amalgamation was the sole focus of our discussions,” Troock said. “I’m excited that we are doing this at this point and the minister has said no to amalgamation. I didn’t want to be a part of any negotiations regarding that.”
