Legitimacy and municipal governance in Ontario

Viewed through a policy instrument choice lens, this project evaluates municipal government legitimacy in Ontario. By first situating 78 municipal governments using satisfaction surveys sent to small and medium sized businesses and local voter turnout information, other related data is analyzed to explain why some and not other local governments enjoy higher levels of sectoral and systemic legitimacy. The analysis suggests that while performance and financial reporting, and business improvement areas have no impact on local government legitimacy, amalgamation and adjustments to commercial property tax rates have a significant impact. The project concludes by suggesting policies that might help local governments improve their future legitimacy, including de-amalgamation or commercial property tax rate adjustments.