An Amaranth Affair with the Province
Looking over my notes from our recent visit to the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, I found the word “Amaranth” scribbled in the margins of my notebook, and then again on the next page, underlined and accompanied by an asterisk. I admittedly had no recollection as to what was meant by “Amaranth”, but clearly it was of some importance to our discussion of the provincial-municipal relationship. A quick Google search led to the discovery of the Township of Amaranth, Ontario — population 3,963. After browsing the very short Wikipedia page and finding nothing alluding to Amaranth’s significance, a recent news article by the Orangeville Banner caught my eye: “Amid controversy, staff turnover, Ontario Ministry reminds Amaranth council of its role, responsibilities.”
Ah yes, now I remember. A few of our presenters had referenced the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s recent intervention in the town dealings of Amaranth. The article explains that Amaranth has found itself without a Clerk and Treasurer, both mandatory positions under provincial legislation. Additionally, there seems to be significant tension between the city councillors and dwindling staff, leading the township to request provincial guidance and intervention. Per the article, “provincial officials recently visited council to advise elected officials on how to interact with staff and each other in today’s environment.” The Ministry also explained the duty of council to establish a code of conduct under the Municipal Act.
This is quite the unique portrayal of the province’s interest in municipalities. In this instance, the province stepped in to help develop the local capacity required to resolve the town’s own issues. Direct provincial intervention such as this is surely not common, but demonstrates the province’s invested interest in ensuring municipalities’ commitment to their constituents — all 3,963 of them. The situation of Amaranth may seem like small stakes, but MMAH was obligated to fulfill its regulatory duty to the municipality by stepping in to restore order and reaffirm the town’s own commitments and responsibilities to the province.
