Amalgamation talks for Kitchener & Waterloo (not pictured – Cambridge)

@KRCraft 10:31pm, Jan 09
I'm firmly on the 'Yes' side and even moreso after further education from our Mktg Mgr: Amalgamation is good for business.

Overheard yesterday in amalgamation discussion, "Kitchener doesn't let cats roam free, so I vote NO." Alrighty then... ;->

As I was quoted saying above, I think the only workable solution is the "two-city" model that was first proposed in the report that was part of the process that led to the eventual creation of the Region of Waterloo in 1973.

In the two-city model, the Region is divided into two single-tier municipalities. The northern city would be comprised of Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot Twp, Wellesley Twp, and Woolwich Twp. The southern city would be comprised of Cambridge and North Dumfries Twp.

As single-tier municipalities (mini mega-cities) each would be responsible for their own services: fire, police, water, waste, etc. Certainly not a straightforward process to determine who does what, but not impossible either.

To me, this is the only fair way to recognize the North's desire to merge amongst themselves and the South's desire to be left alone.

More comments from twitter:

@ccarmichael 9:19am, Jan 08
IMO, the "two-city" model is the only workable amalgamation scenario. K-W+the northern twps & Cambridge+North Dumfries

@jrodgers 9:21am, Jan 08
I think Cambridge is a minefield given how people are nuts for Galt/Preston/etc identities but they should be included

@paulstickney 9:22am, Jan 08
All municipalities make up the identity and strength of Waterloo Region. You don't force drastic change w/o all family support

@DarrenShaw 9:28am, Jan 08 I believe for business..."bigger will is better". No offence Kitchener but Waterloo is the brand to sell world wide.

@mikepgww 10:12am, Jan 08 @GreenSpotting @benjaminbach region includes townships as well...not to mention garbage, police and transit...Cambridge does not want out...

GreenSpotting .@mikepgww @benjaminbach look at how well the tourism board "amalgamation" works out for Cambridge. no local biz support at all

GreenSpotting RT @mikepgww: @benjaminbach region makes sense...mega city does not -agreed BUT new imbalance be deadly, hard now to even get represntation

mikepgww @GreenSpotting @benjaminbach Cambridge would not want out of rgn to set up services themselves...region makes sense...mega city does not

ENBdavies @mikepgww @benjaminbach @DarrenShaw • gd old fashioned infrastructure borders & xenophobias as regionalisms fear the unknown blue collars •

ENBdavies @DarrenShaw @benjaminbach part of the reason ths region out performs much of Canada is a vry Strong Smalls business & entrepreneur segment

GreenSpotting RT @mikepgww:@benjaminbach ...Cambridge does not want out...- here's problem, KW amalgs, cambridge WILL want out. (not preferred, fact)

mikepgww @benjaminbach @DarrenShaw Cambridge people go to kw all the time...when do kw people come to Cambridge? Not that often.

mikepgww @benjaminbach @DarrenShaw kw has been one city livving a dual life 4 some time. Cambridge has never been part (or welcome) in the chat.

Comments from twitter this morning

@DarrenShaw -
7:43am, Jan 08 from TwitterBerry :

Its about time its explored properly. Leaving an unwilling participent in Cambridge out of the mix is a good idea.

@GreenSpotting
7:46am, Jan 08 from TweetDeck
Looking at amalgamation of K/W - REALLY muddy, what then is a 'Region"? if a go, let Camb OUT of region plz. I think good for KW, real BAD for Camb. Camb should disconnect, look to leading South , more organic ties. although I find it ironic as region splits , Conestoga college building across 401, only college where "highway runs thru it"

@paulstickney
9:17am, Jan 08
No Waterloo Region w/o Cambridge