Region of Waterloo to meet with Provincial Ministers to Advocate for Local Priorities
Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo will meet with provincial cabinet ministers next week to discuss solutions to critical municipal issues, including housing and homelessness, paramedic offload delays, transportation improvements, child care access and mental health supports.
A delegation of Regional Councillors will travel to London, Ontario for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) annual conference, August 20-23, 2023.
Over a dozen delegation meetings will take place, as the Region of Waterloo highlights and seeks partnership commitments on key priorities, including two-way all-day GO train service and The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
“The Region of Waterloo delivers essential services to thousands of people and provides strategic leadership in a community known for innovation and collaboration,” says Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman. “We have incredible relationships at the provincial level and we want to build on those, discuss the very real hurdles municipalities are facing, and move forward together to create a world-class community.”
In Ontario, many programs with province-wide objectives are still funded at the local level. Reliance on property taxation and outdated revenue streams continues to be a challenge for growing municipalities across the province.
“As we head into our 2024 Plan and Budget process, these conversations with provincial ministries are pivotal, “says Regional Councillor Michael Harris, Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee. “Without provincial support, we are facing a projected 10% property tax increase merely to maintain existing service levels and are being asked to do more with less.”
As part of on-going advocacy work, Chair Redman will also co-chair a meeting of the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) and Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The Annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference begins Sunday, August 20th.
-30-