[thistleclub]

Hamilton must decide when it wants to become a unified city, says professor
(Ancaster News, Kevin Werner, Feb 18 2016)

A consultant overseeing Hamilton’s ward boundary review urged Hamiltonians to decide if they want to become a united city after over 15 years of trying to maintain their distinct identities after amalgamation.

Former University of Waterloo political science professor Robert Williams told about 10 people, who turned out for a ward boundary review workshop Feb 17 at Ancaster’s Morgan Firestone Arena, that 16 years after amalgamation change needs to take place.

“You have to decide at what point you want to become one city,” said Williams.

Williams, who has overseen a number of ward boundary reviews, said Ottawa, which was amalgamated with its area municipalities at the same time as Hamilton’s amalgamation, decided to change its ward boundaries five years after its merger.

“My concern is at some point preventing change will work against this city,” he said.

The Ancaster ward boundary workshop had only three people from Ancaster participating. Two people left before the workshop began, while Ancaster councillor Lloyd Ferguson observed the proceedings. Ancaster trustee Alex Johnstone, who took part in the Glanbrook workshop as well, participated with a couple from Flamborough, a person from Ward 7 and another one from Ward 11….

There are three more ward boundary review workshops scheduled over the next week. One will be held at the Stoney Creek Recreation Centre Feb. 20; another will be at Chedoke Arena Feb. 22; and the last workshop will be at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre.

Williams says another round of public meetings will take place in June to present proposals for boundary changes. A final report to councillors will be completed by late September or early October. Councillors will make the final decision on whether to change the city’s boundaries.


Read it in full here.