City staff backs proposed Horizon Utilities merger

Though not all city councillors are on board with the idea, city staff is recommending Hamilton approve a merger Horizon Utilities with three other utilities.

In a new report set to come to council at a special meeting on Friday, Finance and Corporate Services General Manager Mike Zegarac recommends that the city approve a merger with PowerStream, Enersource, and Hydro One Brampton.

• Merger would lead to reduced bills, Horizon argues

The four utilities say they aim to form a new utility to serve nearly a million customers in York region, Simcoe County, Peel region, Hamilton and St. Catharines.

The merger, the group said, would form a large company that could "use its collective resources" to offer fair distribution rates and more efficient service.

Some councillors have questioned that statement most vocally Coun. Sam Merulla.

Horizon anticipates that approximately 40 jobs will be lost locallyas a result of the merger. The company believes that those reductions will be done voluntarily, as Horizon will offer voluntary severance packages to employees.

The issue will once again be debated at city hall on Oct. 30.