Amalgamation 'not acceptable,' Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry tells province

"Amalgamation into one city is not acceptable."

That's the first point of fourCambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarrysays she told two special advisers conducting a review of regional municipalities on behalf of the province.

On Tuesday, McGarryissued a statement where she detailed what she said to advisersKenSeilingand MichaelFennwhen she met with them on Feb. 7. Each of the leaders in Waterloo region met with Seiling and Fenn separately.

• NEED TO KNOW: CBC coverage of the Ontario municipal review

McGarry says the meeting allowed her to "articulate Cambridge's position."

She saidthe city's will focus on advocating for atwo-tier structure of government. She said she hoped the regional review would be an opportunity toimproveservices and that changes from the provinceshouldbe driven by local municipalities.

In January, the Progressive Conservative governmentannounced plans toreview the province'sregional governments, which include:Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo region, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District,Oxford County, and the County of Simcoe and their lower-tier municipalities.

Room for change

McGarry says she sees room for change, though.

As an example, she said the region could focus on regional policy, such as the countryside line and source water protection.

The lower tier municipalities could focus onlocal land use planningto help ease the planning process for anyone looking to build, renovate or develop.

Who does what between the region and lower-tier municipalitiescould also be more clear, she said.

"By providing this increased clarity on which level of government is responsible for which service, we simplify our processes for taxpayers and businesses alike," she said.

She said she will continue to discuss the issue with regional staff and wants to hear from local businesses and the community.