Regional delegation advances rural priorities with Provincial Ministers

Waterloo Region – A delegation of local leaders advocated for rural needs and priorities while meeting with provincial cabinet ministers earlier this week at the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto.  

Regional Chair Karen Redman and Regional Councillors Sue Foxton and Natasha Salonen met with cabinet ministers and members of provincial parliament on key priorities such as the expansion of rural transit, drinking water protection, advancing economic opportunities across the region, and the need for a new fiscal deal for municipalities 

Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell also joined the delegation to discuss the implementation of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.  

“A strong relationship with the provincial government is vital to maintaining the types of services, opportunities and affordability our residents expect, even as our community grows,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “I want to thank the ministers and MPPs who met with our delegation to discuss shared priorities.” 

The Region of Waterloo’s delegations with provincial government included the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Solicitor General, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the Ministry of Finance.  

The Region of Waterloo is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities and is home to thriving rural communities within the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich and vibrant urban centres within the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.  

The ROMA Conference gathered leaders from small and rural municipalities across Ontario in Toronto January 21-23, 2024.

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