Markham mayor asks Ontario to make York Region one big city
CTV
The mayor of Markham is asking the provincial government to consolidate York Region into one large city.
The mayor of Markham is asking the provincial government to consolidaten York Region into one large city.
The request was released in a letter written by Frank Scarpitti on Wednesday.
“The provincial government has taken bold steps restructuring the City of Toronto Council and Peel Region and should be doing the same in York Region,” the letter says. “There is no rationale for taking bold steps in other GTA cities and keeping the status quo in York Region.”
York Region consists of nine municipalities—Markham, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King Township, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville. It also has a regional government.
In the letter, Scarpitti argues there are 77 municipal representatives within York Region for about 1.2 million people. He compares this to the 26 councillors now representing about three million people in Toronto.
“Consolidating into one city would result in significant savings in both operating and capital budgets. Municipalities invest millions in cybersecurity, water billing, tax billing and recreational registration systems. A consolidated city will generate substantial savings.”
CTV News Toronto has reached out to the other municipalities in York Region to determine if they were consulted about this proposal, or if this is something they desire.
