Erwin Nelson recalls the first talks about merging the towns of Hespeler, Galt, and Preston in Ontario, half a century ago. He was right in the middle of it.
Now 91 years old, Nelson lives at St. Luke’s Place in Galt, which is a long-term care facility and community for seniors.
Before the merger happened in 1973, he was the reeve of Hespeler. Later on, he served as a councillor for Cambridge’s Ward 14 and even became mayor of Cambridge from 1976 to 1978 after Bob Kerr stepped down.
“Galt, Preston and Hespeler were three municipalities who co-existed beside each other, but it was still separate municipalities geographically and competitively,” Nelson told The Morning Edition’s host Craig Norris during an interview at his home.
“We never got along with Galt, we never got along with Preston, but we had to exist because the Ontario government said, ‘That’s enough of this annexation,'” he said.
Nelson remembers that growth was pushing northward and farmers around there were losing their land because of it. He also mentioned that Cambridge’s merger went hand-in-hand with creating the Region of Waterloo, which is also turning 50 this year.
Bill Davis, who was Ontario’s premier from 1971 to 1985, gave a clear order, Nelson said:
“Davis said, ‘You’re going together. You’re not going to be three municipalities when the region comes,'” Nelson explained.
Erwin Nelson was the Reeve of Hespeler before it amalgamated with Galt, Preston and Bair to become Cambridge in 1973. He also served as the city’s mayor from 1976-1978. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)
‘We loved to play hockey against each other’
Even though those three towns had their rivalries, Nelson says there was a sense they belonged together too. For instance, they really enjoyed playing hockey against one another.
“The penalty box was always full and Friday nights you couldn’t get a seat in the Hespeler Arena for minor hockey,” he laughed.
Still though, when talk turned to merging all those towns into one city, nobody wanted it – not locals nor town leaders – according to Nelson.
The process didn’t drag on forever either; Nelson says around 1970 is when Waterloo County started seriously thinking about making a bigger municipality out of these smaller ones.
He worked closely with officials from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs back then as things moved forward toward merging.
“Davis introduced the legislation and in January 1973 is when I believe we became the region of Waterloo. And Waterloo got to keep its name,” he recalled.
The region consists of three cities plus four townships governed by regional council including a chairperson representing all areas. (engagewr. ca)
More talks about joining forces
Looking ahead fifty years from now, Nelson thinks that Cambridge might end up fully merged within an expanded Region of Waterloo sometime down the road.
“I won’t see the day, but I can see this one city deal on the horizon,” he admitted.
Lately some local officials have been bringing up amalgamation again too – sparking fresh conversations about whether combining governments could work better here now than ever before.
John Milloy , former Liberal MPP for Kitchener Centre , shared his thoughts with The Morning Edition saying it’s smart for people around here just to be aware these talks are happening since provinces tend to push changes “top down.”Eight governments and 59 elected officials.. it makes no sense – John Milloy , former Liberal MPP for Kitchener Centre
Last fall , provincial leaders announced plans to hire someone who’ll study what parts work well or poorly between our two-tier system.
“Municipal governments are creatures of province,” Milloy pointed out. “Our Liberal government basically said no interest unless communities want change themselves.”
“But now , new provincial leaders take a different path – more heavy handed – showing willingness to shake things up across municipal governance.”Former MPP for Kitchener Centre , John Milloy , joins others pushing discussion about Waterloo Region’s amalgamation. (Canadian Press)
Exploring ‘a new kind’ of government
The Region includes three cities plus four townships. Its regional council has both chairperson plus councillors representing each area.
Milloy feels looking into “a new form” that’s simpler makes sense.
“Eight governments handling stuff separately with nearly sixty elected folks-many realize how pointless that can get so maybe it’s time we join forces,” he stated plainly.
According to him , having two levels hurts attracting businesses sometimes. Potential companies would rather settle where there’s fewer hoops like London or Hamilton because they don’t have multiple layers involved every step. Also being just one big city would boost bargaining power dealing directly with Ottawa or Queen’s Park :
“If we were one tier government.. we’d be probably tenth largest nationally giving whoever leads us real influence knocking doors at Queen’s Park or Parliament Hill,” Milloy said.
No word yet if public will get input while facilitator works or if it’ll only involve province chatting with local leaders but Milloy hopes people will have their say throughout process.
“Just sitting down only with councillors without wider community involvement isn’t fair-we should let everyone consider options beyond status quo,” he added.
A spokesperson from Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing told CBC K-W facilitators will review power divisions especially in fast-growing regions operating under two-tier setups.
The spokesperson mentioned province may extend strong mayor powers “to municipalities ready for growth who cut red tape” while facilitators help figure best way apply these powers where there are two tiers.
No official date yet on naming facilitators but sources told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo appointments could happen within next month.
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