Bruce County, Kincardine attend AMO to make province aware of local issues

Representatives of Bruce County and the Municipality of Kincardine are attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa to make the province aware of the major issues impacting the region.

The county joins AMO in calling on the province to commit to reviewing the provincial-municipal fiscal framework. In early January, AMO, a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments, highlighted the need for a social and economic prosperity review as part of its pre-budget submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

Municipalities provide infrastructure and critical services that are central to Ontario’s economic prosperity and quality of life, investing nearly $65-billion annually in communities. The fiscal framework that municipalities rely on to deliver infrastructure and services is broken – failing residents, small businesses and major industries.

Unlike the province, municipal revenues do not grow with the economy or inflation. New realities, including the pressures of growth, economic factors such as inflation and interest rates, social challenges, and provincial policy decisions, are pushing municipalities to the brink.

“A recent report to county council showed that Bruce County contributes more than $37-million to areas of traditional provincial responsibilities, such as housing, child care, and long-term care,” said warden Chris Peabody. “This has put pressure on Bruce County. We support AMO’s call for a review of the provincial-municipal fiscal framework. Doing so will ensure the long-term health of our municipalities.”

“Ontarians expect governments to work together and respect tax dollars,” said AMO president Colin Best. “Local governments need help to address affordability, invest in infrastructure and the economy, and tackle social challenges, such as increasing homelessness. Working together, AMO believes that the province and municipalities can build a better Ontario.”

Last adjusted in 2008, a review of provincial-municipal financial arrangements is long overdue. Municipalities continue to subsidize the provincial treasury by almost $4-billion each year by paying for provincial responsibilities, such as social housing, long-term care, public health, child care and social services. Ontario’s property taxes are already the second highest in the country, while provincial spending per capita is the lowest in Canada. Property taxpayers, including small business owners and seniors on fixed incomes, can’t afford to keep paying provincial costs.

Ontario’s provincial and municipal governments have a strong history of collaboration. Bruce County and AMO believe the time is right for a province-wide conversation where municipalities and the province work together to promote the stability and sustainability of municipal finances province-wide.

MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE AT AMO

Representing Kincardine at the AMO conference are mayor Kenneth Craig, councillor Rory Cavanagh, and chief administrative officer Jillene Bellchamber-Glazier. They are in attendance to discuss what matters most to the local community and to highlight key provincial issues that impact the municipality.

“The annual AMO conference provides us with a valuable opportunity to connect directly with Ontario ministries and develop solid relationships through in-person communication,” said mayor Kenneth Craig.



Kincardine councillor Rory Cavanagh (left) and mayor Kenneth Craig (right) meet with Ric Breese, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario transportation minister; photos courtesy of the Municipality of Kincardine

During the four-day event, delegates will meet with multiple organizations, community leaders, and provincial representatives. One such delegation is with Ontario energy minister Stephen Lecce.

“We are connecting with him to speak as a nuclear host community and share the experiences associated with providing essential municipal infrastructure to support local, provincial, and national goals,” said Craig. “One of the key benefits is the sharing of information. We can bring to light the issues we face and the supports we need to address them in a more impactful way.”

The delegation will also meet the education minister to advocate for faster school builds in support of the community.

Further meetings with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the Solicitor General are scheduled, allowing for advocacy of housing needs, new housing initiatives, infrastructure and development, and more.

AMO is celebrating its 125th anniversary as it hosts this annual gathering. The program of events also includes sessions focusing on improving quality of life for seniors, women’s leadership, fiscal sustainability, and the role of nuclear in powering Ontario's growth.

For more details about AMO and the conference, visit www.amo.on.ca.



Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig (centre) and councillor Rory Cavanagh (right) meet with Billy Pang (left), Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario education minister, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, minister of rural affairs, and education minister Jill Dunlop