Isn't it too late now; wouldn't it be too expensive to de-amalgamate?
It may cost us far more to remain part of the "supercity" than to get out while we can. We are only now beginning to see the effects of amalgamation: our taxes are going up faster than ever, service levels are declining, decisions are being made in downtown Hamilton which do not reflect the interests of the citizens of Dundas, local government has become more remote, less accessible and less representative.
With the construction and long-term maintenance costs of the Red Hill Creek Expressway on the horizon, the tax dollars necessary to pay for the cleanup of Hamilton's neglected core and the expense of subsidizing new development on the East Mountain, things are only going to get worse.
At least one provincial party, the Liberals, have committed to covering a portion of the costs of de-amalgamation, should it occur. Democracy does not come cheaply, but it's worth every penny.
The provincial government hasn't listened to us in the past; what makes you think they will now?
This year, the Province set a precedent by agreeing to allow the City of Kawartha Lakes to include a de-amalgamation question on the ballot of November's municipal election. What's more, there's a good possibility that the Liberal Party will form the government after the next provincial elections. The Liberals have promised to allow de-amalgamation should four of the six former municipalities show "substantial support" for it.
Dundas can't go it alone; what happens if the other historic towns don't want to de-amalgamate?
Citizens in each of the former Wentworth municipalities (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek) have organized de-amalgamation campaigns. Representatives from each of these groups sit on the Coalition for Local Democracy, an umbrella organization formed to share ideas and resources among the municipal groups. In order for any one of these former municipalities to realise its de-amalgamation aspirations, all or most of the others must follow the same path. Opposition to the merger was very strong in all of these municipalities, and there is an excellent chance that all will vote in favour of de-amalgamation. Our priority in Dundas right now is to petition for a referendum which would demonstrate strong support for de-amalgamation, both for our sake and in solidarity with the other historic municipalities.
What sort of municipal structure are you suggesting to replace the "supercity"?
At this point, no one knows the details of what a de-amalgamated Dundas would look like. Much will depend on negotiations with the Province and with the other municipalities which choose to de-amalgamate. Although authority for municipal decision-making would revert to a locally-elected Town Council, many people imagine a "service board" type of arrangement where several municipalities would collaborate for greater economies of scale. In all likelihood, once the decision to de-amalgamate has been made, a transition committee would be appointed to map out the specifics.
Who is eligible to sign the petition?
In general terms, petitioners must be eligible to vote in a municipal election. They must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Dundas ("Ward 13" of the City of Hamilton). Each resident should sign the petition only once.
I'm opposed to de-amalgamation; why would I sign the petition?
Signing the petition does not mean that you are taking a position on de-amalgamation. It means that you are asking the provincial government to respect the principles of democracy by allowing the citizens of Dundas to have a direct say in determining the structure of their local government.
What are you going to do with the petition once you're finished collecting signatures?
It will be presented to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by our MPP, Ted McMeekin.
If I make a donation to the Dundas Again Campaign, what will it be used for?
All Dundas Again Campaign workers are volunteers. Your donation will be used for producing or purchasing materials to publicize the campaign's goals (for example: newsletters, stickers, posters, window signs, buttons, t-shirts, yellow ribbon). It may also be necessary to purchase advertising space in the newspaper and to rent rooms for public meetings.