Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If we leave the Town of Essex, where will we go?

Harrow & Colchester South did not need to amalgamated for any financial reasons. The amalgamation was imposed on us for political reasons by Queens Park. We will be able to return to our previous status, united under a single local governing body of our own choosing.


Wouldn't it be better to help to improve the situation within the Town of Essex than start a painful re-organizing over again?

Our councilors have attempted to provide the Town council with well researched, common sense proposals which reflect the concerns of Harrow and Colchester South. In most instances, they have been over-ruled by the controlling majority of 'old' Essex councilors.


Why don't we simply get everyone to sign a petition showing the overwhelming support for de-amalgamation and take it to the government in power?

We have been down that road before. Early petitions stalled in the Town Hall & Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The rest is history.


Is the situation really as bad as some people are saying?

The Town of Essex has been poorly managed and is in debt $25 million. It stands to reason that this will only to get worse in future years with debt increasing to cover the costs of the proposed new arena.


What can be expected in tax increases for the coming years?

Harrow & Colchester South has been hit with a 3% municipal tax increase this year. This year's typical $2,000.00 residential tax bill will have swelled to approximately $2,325.00 over the next five years. ...and that's not using any built-in inflation factor...!!! We have an Urban Economics professional researching this topic. Results will be made available in the upcoming weeks.


Why would a petition work now when it failed to achieve de-amalgamation in the previous attempt?

A petition is a strong show of support for the committee to use which will indicate the overwhelming desire to leave the Town of Essex. However, the committee feels that we need to also be prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.


Will we pay for de-amalgamating and what would the cost be?

A figure of $13 million has been suggested. That number represents 50% of current debt and is purely subjective. It should be noted that all the infrastructure that was in place prior to amalgamation i still in existence and available to us.

However, our position is that as the Province forced us into this amalgamation, the Province should be held responsible for getting us out of this untenable situation.

The $25 million figure divided among the residents of the Town of Essex represents about $2800.00 per household. In most cases, that is far less that the anticipated tax increases over the next ten years. The sooner we act, the better..!

There will still be municipal taxes..!! Our objective, our philosophy, is that municipal taxes and major expenditures should be subject to the democratic will of our own community, sound business principles and approval of local community members..!!


How long would the process take?

If the case of de-amalgamation in a Montreal area community is a model, then it could take a matter of months. The present Ontario Provincial Government lacks the political will to do so and is deferring to un-elected advisors within the bureaucracy who are affecting our ability to determine our own course of action.


Who are the committee members? Are they being paid?

The committee is made up of concerned citizens who are prepared to lead the way for de-amalgamation. No one is being paid, it is strictly done on a volunteer basis with a commitment to the good of their community.