Agglomeration Structure "Dysfunctional": Danyluk

"The structure is just dysfunctional. It doesn't allow for real participation in a democratic process," stated the mayor recently. "Obviously, it's very disappointing to know that the elected people are working hard and trying to play the role they are supposed to."

In late November, several suburban mayors met with Municipal Affairs Minister Nathalie Normandeau in the hopes of convincing her to make the desired corrections. However, just before the holidays, Quebec passed legislation that approved the extension of property valuations from three to four years, as requested by the City of Montreal.

"It's total chaos when they start passing laws exactly one week before Christmas and they expect everyone to just adapt when they know that most municipalities have already adopted our budgets," she fumed.

In a statement released to the media, the mayors concluded that little have changed with the Agglomeration during the past year. They have "sincerely tried" to collaborate with the City of Montreal , but the evidence shows that its structure "simply doesn't work." It also leads to an "abuse of power" by Montreal that always places it in a conflict-of-interest" situation regarding decisions for all island residents.

"The Agglomeration Council isn't a serious organization or a genuine deliberative body. Consequently, it will be impossible to continue attending meetings in knowing that we are participating in something that is dishonouring for us and our residents, unless there are some changes."

To make the Agglomeration more democratic, the suburban mayors proposed that it also include all members of the Montreal City Council. It should also have its own executive committee, rather than relying on Montreal's, to ensure that it deals strictly with island-wide matters. To resolve conflicts without appealing to the Minister, a three-person independent arbitration committee would be created - one named by the demerged cities, one by Montreal, and the third jointly chosen.

To support their demands, they continued their boycott of its meetings, started last November. However, they took time to show up at the December 18th meeting to vote against its budget and the three-year capital-works program to make sure that they didn't pass unanimously. Then they walked out to continue that boycott.

Mayor Danyluk said she tried to convince her colleagues to stay for a third vote on the STM rate hike, but they refused outright. Being an "integral part" of the Agglomeration budget, all of its member-cities would have to contribute the funds not obtained through subsidies, tickets or other revenues. "This really lacked a responsible and credible type of behaviour for elected people," she said.