United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG), and SDG Council likes the idea of working more closely on common issues with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR).
On Monday, July 20, UCPR Warden Mario Zanth addressed SDG Council in Cornwall and suggested an interregional friendship partnership between the two regional governments.
“The challenges we face are remarkably similar. So are the opportunities,” said Zanth.
He said the UCPR has existing friendship pacts with its neighbouring municipalités régionales de comtés (MRC’s) in Québec. He said that while those agreements have their benefits, there are challenges to further collaboration because of differing provincial laws and policies. He imagines more could be achieved between regional governments within the same province.
Zanth said he knows there is already informal collaboration between the UCPR and SDG and their neighbouring municipalities, but he would like to see regular collaboration be the rule, rather than the exception. He described it as an opportunity to share ideas and better serve residents.
“In short, we like working with you,” Zanth said.
North Glengarry Deputy Mayor Carma Williams said North Glengarry has always had a close relationship with Prescott and Russell and noted they currently share an MPP.
“I’m always in favour of more collaboration,” Williams said.
South Dundas Deputy Mayor Marc St-Pierre said there is already well-established collaboration among SDG’s six municipalities.
“It only makes sense we should be extending beyond our borders,” St-Pierre remarked.
He specifically mentioned procurement as one way where the two regional governments could cooperate.
North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser said there is already involvement between North Dundas and Russell Township, and he looks forward to more.
North Stormont Deputy Mayor Steve Densham said collaboration already exists between the two regions and municipalities through being part of the same conservation authority.
Zanth said the province wants more partnerships between municipal and regional governments.
“We’re on the other side of Ottawa; we’re kind of always left out a little bit. We’re not the ones that are mainstream we’ll say,” he commented.
Zanth said collaboration between the UCPR and SDG does not have to be rushed. He said while current partnerships are great, a more in-depth look is needed. He suggested meetings be held a few times a year to see what is possible.
SDG Warden and North Stormont Mayor Francois Landry said one major topic for him is emergency preparedness and resources to assist with that.
“Every collaboration starts with that first discussion,” Landry said.
He suggested efforts for further collaboration between SDG and the UCPR begin with discussions between their respective Chief Administrative Officers.
