decentralizing the amalgamation

The recent election campaign in Ottawa is bringing about some interesting discussion. Some cynics may say its all irrelevant (empty promises blabla) but I believe it is important because it sets the tone for relationships between the city, municipal services, corporate communications, local business and the residents.

At a recent mayoral candidate debate, one of the candidates recognized the need to involve people. What a novel concept! "We need to create a mechanism to empower local people to make decisions locally. I support the borough model."
I agree. A borough model would be excellent way to give people a sense of purpose and control over their environment, and would recreate the sense of identity in the community that was lost during amalgamation.
Montreal attempted that, with partial success. Some municipalities turned out to be more "responsible" than others. Some municipalities felt so strongly about their community that they were willing to de-amalgamate, even if it meant slightly higher taxes.
Anyway, I envision boroughs with their own budgets to offer services and activities that positively impact the local quality of life (=Herzberg's "motivating factors"): issues that are particularly important to local residents like sports, local planning, zoning, parks, etc. Meanwhile, the city council would be responsible for major projects, large scale planning, infrastructure, corporate and shared services like trash, libraries, water, electricity, taxation, administration, etc, whose would negatively affect the quality of life of residents if removed (=Herzberg's "hygiene factors"). It would be a hybrid system with its own zits and warts, but would be more balanced and, more importantly, would involve the communities and respond to their needs. Further, done properly, the greater overall public satisfaction would improve productivity at work (though imperceptively) and reduce the drain on city resources, thereby offsetting any additional costs that may be required.
Heck, it may even generate more prosperity. Too bad most candidates are too obsessed with running the city with the current-quarter focus so prevalent in the business world.