‘A great partnership’: Bradford, Innisfil to explore shared services

Two South Simcoe municipalities are set to explore ways to become closer than ever.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Council (BWG) approved a recommendation from Mahesh Ramdeo, Bradford’s new deputy chief administrative officer (CAO), authorizing city staff to begin conversations with the City of Innisfil and the municipal water utility, InnServices, to retain and extend the ‘critical’ water supply to Bradford, while other cross-border service opportunities are being sought, during the council’s regular meeting on June 4.

Section 3 con. Ben Verkaik agreed with the need to expand the city’s water supply to meet the provincial mandate to build 6,500 new homes by 2031 and suggested exploring opportunities with New Tecumseth and Collingwood for their new water treatment facility as well , but questioned the wording. conservation.

Officially appointed as deputy CAO during the April 16 council meeting, effective March 25, Ramdeo explained that the city’s current agreement with InnServices guarantees a certain amount of water for Bradford, but is looking to expand to other municipalities in the south. Simcoe.

“The idea about conservation is for us to have a seat at the table … so that the allocation is not considered any other way than to the BWG,” he said. “Right now we don’t have that voice.”

Bradford currently gets about 60% of its drinking water, about 2,197,087 cubic meters, from InnServices and the Innisfil Lake Simcoe water filtration facility each year, an amount that has steadily increased since the municipalities entered into a cost sharing and water allocation agreement. in September 2003.

“Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury have worked together for years to provide clean and safe water to our residents,” Innisfil CAO and InnServices director Oliver Jerschow said in a statement. “As our communities continue to grow, we look forward to working together to explore service solutions that will serve both communities well.”

Section 2 Con. Jonathan Scott said Bradford was “not just a customer” of InnService, as the city helped fund the construction of the water treatment plant, and as such “should be operating much more as a partner”.

“I would hate for the status quo to continue where a neighboring municipality, which is also growing, has full control of an asset that we helped build,” he said.

Verkaik also asked what the other opportunities might be, and while Ramdeo confirmed that the main point of discussion at the moment is water supply, he also explained that the other opportunities might involve sharing information and other services to help prepare for growth.

Mayor James Leduc said Bradford has “a great partnership with Innisfil,” mentioning the South Simcoe Police Service and used snow removal as an example of where that partnership could be expanded.

“The one thing that bothers me the most is when I see a plow hit that imaginary line and lift its blade,” he said. “It’s great when we can share the costs of certain things and create opportunities for everyone to be more efficient. That’s what it’s all about.”

Section 6 con. Nickolas Harper had his doubts.

“You’re much more optimistic that Innisfil will want to do something with us,” he said. “I’d be happy if they come back to offer any of these resolutions that you’re hoping for, but I’m not optimistic about that.”

Bradford CAO Geoff McKnight clarified that the two municipalities have been working together “for years” and the formal authorization for further discussions follows a decision by Innisfil council during their meeting on May 8 to review the organizational structure of the city’s utilities.

Staff are expected to report on discussions with Innisfil at a later date.