A recently mediated settlement for a new funding model for social services in the region was essentially snuffed out on Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, brass at the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board received a letter from the Ministry of Community and Social Services to inform them about some 'recently enacted regulatory amendments'
"Effective December 11, 2017, the government has amended provincial regulations under the District Social Services Administration Boards Act, the Ambulance Act, and the Housing Services Act, 2011," reads the letter.
From December 11, 2017 until December 31, 2018, the board has been ordered to use the method of cost apportionment for Ontario Works, social housing, and land ambulance services that the board was using in 2017.
According to Mayor Steve Black, who pushed for the better part of two years to find a better deal for Timmins, said it caught everyone in the organization completely off guard.
Under the CDSSAB's new plan, which was approved in a narrow 7 to 6 vote in March, Timmins would see an annual savings of over $1 million dollars. As well, the smallest communities in the region would save, but mid-sized centres Cochrane, Kapuskasing, and Hearst would be required to contribute more.
"These changes effectively freeze the method of apportionment (or apportionment formula) used in your district until January 1, 2019," adds the letter.
The letter was signed by two Assistant Deputy Ministers, Erin Hannah, and Richard Steele.
The main headquarters of the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board on Algonquin Boulevard. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday According to the letter, the ministry has hired a business management consulting firm, Optimus SBR, to lead a thorough review of 'the governance and accountability framework for DSSABs, including matters related to cost apportionment among municipalities.'
'Face to face consultations' in all 10 districts took place in September and October. The ministry said it expects to receive final recommendations on changes to improve the framework by December 31 of this year.
"We know that board members and municipal councils give careful thought and attention to decisions related to apportionment of costs, and these decisions can be contentious at times. We also appreciate that deliberations and perceptions of fairness related to apportionment are influenced by other core elements of the governance framework, including representation, voice, and transparency of decision making."
This led to some strong words from members of the city government on Tuesday night.
"I can't say I'm anything short of disgusted at how this has been handled from a provincial ministerial position," said Black.
With the significant savings for the city in mind, council has decided to pursue a legal opinion on the matter, with a possible update taking place at the first meeting of 2018 on January 9.
