WATERLOO - Don't erase the City of Waterloo, city council told Premier Doug Ford's government Monday.

Council voted 7-0 against reforming Waterloo regional government, saying a system that provides eight governments for seven communities works well.

Let three cities keep working separately and also together, Waterloo politicians urged the province.

"I have pages and pages of items why amalgamation just can't work," Mayor Dave Jaworsky said.

The 46-year-old governance structure gives residents the small-town feel they crave while providing them with big-city amenities, Jaworsky argued. "Your neighbour can be your councillor today," he said.

"There's a lot of collaboration," Coun. Angela Vieth said.

"We collaborate and work well together," Coun. Jeff Henry said.

"Amalgamation does not save money," Coun. Royce Bodaly said. He fears the province is looking at change for change's sake.

The Progressive Conservative government is reviewing nine regional or county structures in a bid to save costs.

Currently, three cities and four townships provide minor municipal services. Regional government provides most municipal services and is bigger than all cities and townships combined.

Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark has asked former Waterloo regional chair Ken Seiling to help recommend governance reforms, following consultations. Clark expects to receive advice this summer.

Questions Seiling will help answer include: Are regional government structures appropriate? Are activities duplicated? Can services be allocated better?

Joining Seiling to make recommendations to the province is Michael Fenn, a former deputy minister and former municipal chief administrator in the Hamilton area.

Waterloo, the smallest of three local cities with 105,000 residents, has been resisting amalgamation for more than a century.

In 2010, Waterloo residents voted two-thirds against discussing a merger with neighbouring Kitchener.

Three public delegations urged Waterloo council to resist amalgamation. "Let's continue to foster our culture of co-operation," former Waterloo councillor Jan d'Ailly said.

Retired University of Waterloo professor Greg Michalenko said the reform process is too hurried, too focused on costs, and does not engage the public enough.

"We are already the envy of the world," environmental advocate Kevin Thomason told council in support of the status quo.

jouthit@therecord.com

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