SCHAC Mission Statement

To have the Legislative Assembly of Ontario rescind the forced amalgamation order and return our local municipal government to the local citizens and their democratically elected officials in Harrow and Colchester South.

REASONS:

• The citizens of Harrow & Colchester South had no direct say in the creation of the new Town of Essex.
• The government by regulation and legislation forced the recent amalgamation, against the will of the obvious majority of the people.
• The government has not delivered the promised streamlined, more efficient and accountable local government, nor the provision of better services at reduced costs.
• The promise of tax decreases by the Provincial Government has not been met.
• The expected transition costs to area taxpayers of this forced amalgamation have already exceeded the promised amount.

BELIEFS:

The Committee to Reinstate Harrow and Colchester South is independent of political party affiliation. It will however, use its lobbying power and influence on the Provincial Government as well as that of the Town of Essex to achieve the above objective. It believes that the communities of Harrow and Colchester South and its citizens have a democratic right to evaluate and decide on their future direction in terms of services & local government structure.

STRATEGIES:

These will include but will not be limited to:

• Petitions door-to-door: to show significant level support by the citizens of Harrow and Colchester South.
• Blue ribbon campaign: as a very visual reminder to both media and politicians of the level of support for the de-amalgamation campaign.
• Investigation of opportunities to proceed with legal actions: to identify precedents and legal cases through which the Committee may initiate proceedings in law to realize their democratic rights.
• Political lobbyists: to gain access to the key decision makers makes and arbitrators of actions which may bring about de-amalgamation.
• Reinstate Harrow & Colchester South web site for information on our planned activities and background.
• Research on fiscal issues and Press releases.
• Letter writing campaigns to MPPs. (including John Gerretsen - Minister of Muncipal Affairs and Housing)
• Newspaper advertising.
• All party election forums.
• Liaise with other interested citizens groups and business forums.