CJUR 21:2 Winter 2012 1
Post-Amalgamation Politics
Canadian Journal of Urban Research, Volume 21 Issue 2, pages x-xx.
Copyright © 2012 by the Institute of Urban Studies
All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
ISSN: 1188-3774
Post-Amalgamation Politics: How Does Consolidation Impact
Community Decision-Making?
Zachary Spicer
Department of Political Science
e University of Western Ontario
Abstract
Between 1998 and 2001, Ontario experienced four high-profile municipal
amalgamations. While the consolidation process itself was highly debated, dis-
cussed and documented, very little has been written about post-amalgamation
governance. Using Hamilton, Ontario as a case study, this paper explores post-
amalgamation governance, asking what effect the amalgamation process has
had on the new city’s politics? Utilizing factor analysis, this paper analyzes
standing recorded votes on Hamilton’s city council for the first three councils
elected aſter amalgamation (2001-2003; 2003-2006; 2006-2010). e results
suggest that councilors from amalgamated communities primarily vote togeth-
er, with little cohesion with councilors from the central city.
Keywords: Amalgamation, Municipal Government, Factor Analysis, Urban
Politics