Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008 - (Page 11)

The Municipal Buddy System The Town of Newmarket’s perspective on inter-municipal collaboration and the green bin program realize efficiencies by extending the spirit of co-operation beyond municipal borders? Should cities and towns adopt an inter-municipal buddy system to keep taxes down and realize efficiencies? The Town of Newmarket thinks so. This is the tale of how the green bin program prompted six municipalities in northern York Region to resurrect the buddy system. It explains how getting in touch with your inner child can save significant cash and achieve staggering results – so long as you can play nicely in the sandbox! Lesson 1: Getting along is good for the bottom line In early 2006, six very different municipalities with one shared Lake Simcoe By Crystal Moss I n elementary school, we practiced the buddy system every day for even the most basic of tasks. Crossing the road, participating in a field trip or even playing outside during gym class all required a buddy. It was a simple and effective system of co-operation and self preservation. Somewhere along the path of growth and maturity, the buddy system was replaced with autonomy, individuality and competitiveness as we strove to defi ne ourselves and build our careers. The same could be said of municipalities. By focusing on our own progress, initiatives and corporate reputation, we forget to be neighbourly. Which makes me wonder: In our quest to be the best, are we seeing the trees and ignoring the forest? Are there opportunities to collaborate and The N6 of Yo r k R e g i o n Town of Georgina $ Town of East Gwillimbury Town of Newmarket Township of King Town of Aurora Town of WhitchurchStouffville Town of Richmond Hill City of Vaughan Town of Markham January/February 2008 municipal MONITOR • 11

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008

Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008 Contents President’s Message: Recognizing Achievement Viewpoint: Increasing Voter Turnout Building Bridges The Municipal Buddy System Harnessing the Wind Water Under the Bridge Municipal Memos Index to Advertisers

Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008

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