The Anatomy of an Amalgamation: The Case of Ottawa

Abstract

M ETROPOLITAN FRAGMENTATION, ur-ban sprawl, sustainable commu-nities, and " the new regionalism " not only are current buzzwords in urban poli-tics but also encompass central concerns about the viability of urban areas. Originally, the ur-ban reform movement primarily focused on efficiency and neutral competency. The issue of metropolitan amalgamation, 1 or consolida-tion, represents an interesting confluence of past and current dialogue about central urban concerns. The potential benefits of local gov-ernment amalgamation include increased ef-fectiveness and efficiency, increased equity, and reduced governmental overlap and frag-mentation. Moreover, consolidation has been seen as an antidote to the costs of urban sprawl. Little research has focused on the imple-mentation issues associated with consolida-tion. How consolidation affects the nature of governance for local residents, the quality and distribution of local services, and the political and administrative base is unclear.