Options for a Consolidated TMA Governance Structure

Smart Commute is intended develop and promote a variety of transportation alternatives across the GTA. Smart Commute 404-7 Markham Richmond Hill is the ‘urban showcase’ TMA within York Region. The Black Creek TMA and the Markham Centre TMA also exist and others may evolve over time.

The evolving discussion around governance has considered the value of including the 404-7 and Markham Centre TMA’s within one governance model. The rationale for a consolidated governance structure focuses on making the best use of the limited financial and time resources, as well as the geographic proximity of the two areas. The reality is that:

• The volunteers that will guide TMA’s within York Region will likely come from the same pool of business and community leaders;
• Financial support will likely come from the same pool of municipal government and corporate sponsors/members.
• Community awareness may be difficult to tie to specific boundaries.

There is another side to the discussion. It relates to the Board’s responsibility for clearly defining a vision for the future and implementing a plan to achieve the vision. It appears that transportation issues and the evolving range of solutions to address these issues may be different in the 404-7 area and Markham Centre. These differences, or at least the approach to addressing the issues, may require separate implementation plans in order to achieve the desired vision(s).

New organizations need to maintain a clear focus in order to establish a solid governance and service delivery foundation. While pursuing lateral visions and/or partnerships before an organization has established its own solid foundation may distort the focus, it can be done. The caveat is that the organization must be willing to devote resources to clearly define the vision(s), the associated implementation plans and the overall timeline for moving forward.

Based on input from key stakeholders and an understanding of governance theory, the recommendation for Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill is for a consolidated TMA structure. The 404-7 TMA Steering Committee extends an invitation to Markham Centre TMA to join forces – creating one Board of Directors. Recruitment for the inaugural Board will reflect business members from both TMA areas. As the new Board begins to operate in early 2005, a consolidated vision will emerge through creation of a detailed strategic plan. It is expected that the implementation plan required to achieve the vision will include two streams – one dedicated to the 404-7 area and another dedicated to the Markham Centre area. This approach will address the:

• possible unique characteristics of each area
• need for strong working relationships amongst TMA’s, in the GTA,
• need for coordinated communication, public awareness initiatives and fund development activities and,
• need for efficient use of staff and volunteer resources to carry out the action plan.

This recommendation is made assuming that the timeline for implementation of a TMA in the 404-7 area, as outlined in the urban-showcase project, can be maintained. The inaugural Board of Directors will be formed in early 2005, and incorporation as a registered not-for-profit organization will coincide with establishment of the Board. If a consolidated governance model can not be created at this time, discussions should continue with Markham Centre around coordinated governance development, community awareness and program development, in the hope that, at some point in the future, a consolidated governance model is achieved.