The Committee of the Whole has rejected the idea of a third party review of the County’s municipal governance structure in advance of the next municipal election.

A report was requested by Council last year to address the concerns that dog local elections about the sheer size of Council, which has 14 members.

Several deputants and many councillors argued against the review. Some objected to the cost of such a study, estimated at $75,000. Others recalled the divisive and difficult attempts to shrink Council in the past, which date back to amalgamation in 2008. 

Finally, it was suggested that the current system is, quite simply, working. As Gary Mooney put it in a deputation, “A large Council and nine wards with 1, 2 or 3 Councillors per ward may be slightly crazy, but it’s also unique, and it works.” Mr. Mooney noted that he used to be one of those who thought a reduction was in order. Not anymore. 

At risk for those opposed was, in part, the integrity of unique “communities of interest,” the possibility of which is preserved by the County’s nine wards. A review of the current governance structure could lead to a redefinition of ward boundaries and threaten local and historic identities.

Councillors Braney and St. Jean, however, were in support. They argued that residential development is occurring primarily in the towns, and could create an imbalance. Councillor St. Jean suggested that people were “jumping to the conclusion” that a review was only about Council size and ward boundaries.

Councillor Braney proposed an amendment to make these elements only part of a much broader governance study. 

As Mayor Ferguson pointed out in support of a more general study, “it is unheard of for a multi-million dollar corporation, as the County is, not to undergo a governance review every 7-10 years.”

Councillor Roberts stressed that a study is not a decision, and that “there’s nothing to fear from knowing better: knowing better leads to doing better.” 

Councillor Engelsdorfer added, “the future is important. We can’t stand still hoping change won’t happen.”

The amendment was defeated, as was the receipt of the report as a whole.

In a final attempt, Councillors Braney and St. Jean then brought a motion to include a referendum question on the 2026 ballot, asking citizens whether they approve of a governance review.

Amidst discussion recalling the agony of developing such a question for the 2010 ballot, and its non-binding conclusions — less than 50 per cent of voters cast ballots that year —  the motion failed.

Councillor St. Jean pointed out that 7578 voters were in favour of a governance review in 2010. He noted that a citizens’ petition requiring no more than 260 signatures could require Council to take up this issue.

“If the residents of Wellington on the Lake get 500 names on a list to extend the pavement on a road I’m pretty sure 260 people will show up for this issue.”

For the time being, however, the prevailing sentiment is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”