Municipal Government in Ontario

Extract

Under the broad title of this paper I propose to deal with some legislative and administrative aspects of municipal government rather than the more political phases, although, of course, these matters cannot be definitely segregated. It is my intention to note some points in connection with the present structure of municipal government in this province, to raise certain problems for discussion—problems which are vital even if obvious—and to make some suggestions.

These matters have interested me for some time both because of an academic interest, and because of the experience of seven or eight years' active participation in municipal affairs. I have held municipal office—both by appointment and election—and I have learned much about what is and what is not possible in the political processes. But I hasten to add that I have also been defeated for municipal office and probably that has taught me the most. However, I will not labour these points here.

The first elementary point that I should like to make is the constitutional one that in this country the municipality is the creature of the province. Our constitution establishes only the federal and provincial governments, and such power as municipalities have is delegated by the province. This means that changes in municipal structure depend on no complicated constitutional negotiations or charter but simply upon the willingness of the legislature to make changes which are believed to be generally acceptable.