Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE – The municipality is joining discussions on a potential new model for managing water and wastewater services, as council approved CAO Morgan Calvert’s participation in a provincial working group during its February 3rd meeting. The initiative, led by Local Authority Services (LAS), aims to explore the feasibility of a Joint Municipal Services Corporation (JMSC) that could support municipalities with water and wastewater operations.
Calvert explained that LAS, a business services branch of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), has been studying ways to improve public utility services across Ontario. An expert panel convened by LAS recommended further investigation into a collaborative municipal corporation that could provide more flexible financing options, enhanced service delivery, and shared expertise in managing water infrastructure.
“At AMO last year, I participated in an open house to review and comment on the recommendations of the expert panel,” Calvert said. “I had an opportunity to share our challenges and opportunities with regard to public utility provision within our own jurisdiction.”
The working group will develop a business case for the proposed corporation, and while there are no direct financial costs for Adelaide Metcalfe at this stage, Calvert noted that participation would involve attending approximately six meetings this year. He emphasized that joining the discussions ensures the township remains informed and engaged in shaping potential solutions. “I think it’s important for Adelaide Metcalfe to be at the table through the potential participation of this Staff Committee,” he said.
Councillor Garett Kingma inquired about the liability implications under the Safe Drinking Water Act should a municipal services corporation be created. “Within the governance structure of a municipal services corporation, that generally defers liability away from municipalities and municipal councils,” Calvert responded, adding that further details would emerge as the working group progresses.
Kingma also noted that for the initiative to be successful, participating municipalities would need to collaborate effectively. “There is absolutely no room for more navel-gazing or self-centred approaches to delivering public services,” he said. “It would also be likely to be successful if there was a lot of forecasted growth in the area.”
Mayor Sue Clarke supported the township’s involvement, highlighting Calvert’s expertise in the area. “Morgan is very passionate about this, so I think he would be a good person to be at the table,” she said.
Council unanimously approved the recommendation to nominate CAO Morgan Calvert to the working group. As the business case for the proposed JMSC is developed, further reports will be brought back to council for review and consideration.
