The goal behind amalgamation is much like federal equalization – so residents in P.E.I.’s smaller communities can enjoy the same level of service at the same level of taxation. It’s been a tough sell for the provincial government, although developments this week offer renewed hope.
Montague’s return to regional amalgamation is a good example of what can be accomplished by consultation and compromise – along, of course, with additional concessions. Had those basic elements been utilized earlier, a lot of problems might have been avoided.
A mediator hammered out an accord with Montague council, after the town voted in February to reject the regional Three Rivers unit. Montague wavered on the historic plan for a number of months before finally opting out on a close 3-2 vote.
The mediator dealt with a list of town concerns, and after most were satisfactorily addressed, Montague voted to reverse its earlier decision and unanimously endorsed the Three Rivers proposal. The town held out for a better deal and got one from the province, which sweetened the pot in key areas to make the proposal more palatable for taxpayers and businesses.
Key roadblocks were removed when government agreed to a written pledge to keep open Montague’s Kings County Memorial Hospital and its emergency room; and offered security for town employees, a lower tax rate and additional gas tax revenue.
It was good news for other municipal units in the area which had previously signed on - Lower Montague, Cardigan, Brudenell, Valleyfield and Lorne Valley. With Montague’s OK, it now appears that Georgetown will follow suit and hold another vote after earlier rejecting amalgamation.
It’s also good news for the provincial government which long hoped Three Rivers would be an example for others to follow across the Island. The new Municipal Government Act, with its changes to elections, finances, bylaws and other regulations, makes much more sense within larger municipal units.
With the two towns apparently coming on board, the last holdouts in Three Rivers are unincorporated rural areas still upset over lack of consultation and pending changes to tax rates. They like things just the way they are.
Government could simply have legislated amalgamation, as it did with the province’s four largest communities more than 20 years ago. That process involving Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford and Cornwall is a proven success although enhanced opportunities in those larger communities have hurt rural P.E.I.
Yet, the chance to counterbalance those larger urban areas has proven difficult. Kings County and other rural areas need stronger municipal units to provide improved services - to retain citizens, especially its youth, and attract others.
The imminent threat of the province pushing through amalgamation in Three Rivers brought towns back to the table - to negotiate a better deal rather than lose out in a legislated marriage.
Amalgamation isn’t about eliminating communities, names and history, but is about improving governance and levelling the playing field for rural P.E.I. There is a bigger picture in play which some still fail to see.
