One Muskoka!
‘Working Together’
Our Mission
is to stimulate discussion about our municipal governance with the goal of having an independent review of the governance structure of Muskoka.
Why?
Currently our Municipal politicians do not feel that a review of governance is a vital issue yet reports indicate annual savings in the millions of dollars.
Our current two tier government was designed from the Paterson report, which was written in 1969. Innovations have modernized our world, but our 40 year old governance model remains the same.
It is time for a review to determine if a more efficient form of municipal government is needed. This forum has been assembled to help share information and opinions with the hopes that you will take this matter up with your elected officials, to put this issue on top of their agenda.
The One Muskoka Team is committed to the following broad precepts:
The governance structure of Muskoka’s municipal government must be fully reviewed as it has not changed significantly in 41 years.
Any review of Muskoka’s municipal governance must be independent, allowing for political input but free of any preconceived political restraints.
One Muskoka’s preference is for the creation of a goverance model that delivers service with fair representation and operates with efficient effectiveness
A new governance structure must:
- be for the common good of Muskoka
- reduce duplication and overlap among Muskoka’s seven existing municipal governments
- be designed with maximum efficiencies and lower costs while delivering high quality service
- be accessible, accountable and representative of the population it serves
- be streamlined and simplified
- have the ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff
- commit to creating a single Muskoka mindset while ensuring all parts are treated equally and fairly
Where do Councillors stand on governance?
Dear Councillors, Mayors and District Chairman, One Muskoka has been promoting the idea of an independent review of Muskoka’s municipal governance. Having closely examined past attempts at restructuring since the late 1970s we have concluded that despite strong support from ratepayers groups, cottage associations and the general public, Muskoka’s municipal politicians rejected significant change. As […]
1969 The Paterson Report
1969 Paterson Report – This report provided the basis for Regional, Two Tier Governance – (366 pages) Click to Download this report here FREE! (zip compressed pdf file) Click to Download the PDF Report uncompressed
Once Voice For All
Dear Editor; A recent problem with the financing of municipalities in our eastern provinces has brought about a need and demand for change from the voters. In Pictou County three municipalities have decided to look at working together in order to keep their area a vibrant option for future growth. One of the mayors says” […]
Low Credit? No Problem!
Dear Editor; The District has reported that the baseline credit assessment of the District is below that of the Province resulting in the District’s credit rating being downgraded. The credit assessment also includes the growing debt of the six municipalities. This means that overall we are paying more of our growing tax dollars for debt […]
Big Ideas – The Muskoka Accountability Pledge
The Big Idea for Muskoka in October 2014 is the municipal election. Past elections have seen and heard candidates espouse the virtues of accountability, openness, integrity and transparency. Why our Federal Government even went so far as to pass legislation called the Accountability Act. Previous governments have had the Clarity Act. These concepts are not […]
