Tom Insinna, Regional Counsellor

2026-02-27 

The topic of amalgamation of the Region has been at the forefront of the media and at the municipal, regional and provincial levels of government. At the Committee of the Whole last week, which was called by Chair Gale, it gave the members of Regional Council the opportunity to address their concerns. 

The gallery was full of residents from across the region, which I believe brought out the grandstanding of some of the Councilors that are usually silent. As you are probably aware, I find it difficult to be silent and represent my community to the fullest. 

The meeting progressed with almost all Councillors weighing in on the amalgamation issue. I want to be perfectly clear, I am NOT in favour of amalgamation. A motion was brought forward that would once again direct staff to study the issue once more, after the numerous studies that have already been done. 

The second part of the motion was to silence Chair Gale regarding this issue of amalgamation. I want to state here that I voted NO on both parts, and I want to explain my actions to you, the residents. I believe that action needs to be taken regarding the number of politicians and finding efficiencies in our local levels of government. 

I was proposing to initiate action at our next Corporate Services meeting to reduce the number of Regional Councillors from 31 to 13, 12 councillors representing each city/town and one chairperson. Another study would again put off any action that is needed, and yes, continue on the same path of local governments, putting their hand out to the taxpayers that are already financially strapped. 

On the second issue, I do not believe in censuring or silencing a member of Council, whether it be the Chair or a Councillor. Every person in that chamber has the right to express their opinion, and even though it may differ from what others may believe, they still have that right to express their thoughts. The motion did pass, and we are again at square one with another study to be done. I have drafted a proposal and am forwarding it to Chair Gale with what I believe is a way forward. 

My proposal would bring the number of politicians down from 126 in the Region to 63 while maintaining the local municipal governments as they now exist. The second part of my proposal would take a deep dive into how some sort of restructuring could occur, but removing it from political influence. Included in this would be public consultation that is so desperately needed; if anything is to be done, residents have to have a voice. 

I realize that there is a difference of opinion at our local level, but I know that I will continue to look for efficiencies as we move forward. The success of our Town is my guiding principle, and I will fight for our interests in whatever fashion that might be. 

I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Ebb and Flow Yoga Studio on Derby Rd in Crystal Beach. I learned that they have “hot yoga” with heat lamps in the ceiling that will raise the temperature in the room while you do yoga. I was advised that the temperature would be over 30 degrees Celsius, and I would be in a puddle of water for sure. Congratulations, and if you enjoy the heat and want to do yoga, this is your spot. 

There were several other items that I wanted to let everyone know about, but due to space, I will save them for the next edition. Thank you for reading this article; it is greatly appreciated. 

Thank you to the staff of the Observer for allowing me to share my experiences and actions with you. 

Keep on smiling!