Midhurst/May 18, 2023 – The County of Simcoe has, and continues to be, a highly efficient and effective level of government, serving its residents extremely well and working cooperatively with a range of partners and multiple levels of government. As the future unfolds, the County continues to recognize the importance of high-growth pressures, servicing capacity, affordable housing, health care and infrastructure.
The County provides high value and quality in its service delivery through its responsible management of tax payers' dollars. Efficiency also comes through co-operation from its 16 member municipalities and 2 separated cities. From waste services, to paramedics and long term care, road maintenance and social services, these programs are expensive to deliver and the consolidated expertise at the County level and overall system approach, means all municipalities and residents benefit. The County of Simcoe has always placed residents first.
Simcoe County is at a different point in its evolution than that of Peel Region or other regional municipalities. Our structure and governance in Simcoe County is different than larger regions across Ontario because many of our smaller municipalities already face budgetary constraints and challenges with service delivery capacity, such as water and waste water. With more population coming, the benefits of economies of scale are evident. In Simcoe County, there is simply more capacity and more value for household taxes with regional services.
The County of Simcoe Council did formally request engagement and facilitation with the Province on planning and co-ordination of growth-related services at a meeting of Council earlier this year, and we trust this will be included in the Provincial process.
The County has a tremendous track record of strong governance and service to Simcoe County, and we hope to have further engagement with the Government of Ontario to work with them to identify the most sustainable way forward.
Basil Clarke
Warden, County of Simcoe
Media Contact:
Collin Matanowitsch
Public Relations Manager
County of Simcoe
collin.matanowitsch@simcoe.ca
705.734.8386