While News offered from the province during the recent AMO conference in London was not great, Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said, “We had some very successful meetings with government representatives.”
She noted that it now looks like the infrastructure deal is set between the province and the federal government.
“It will be a competitive process for infrastructure applications. All the rules will probably be coming through to our department heads. You can just imagine … but we’ll have to get into the fray.”
Ross-Zuj said there was excellent support by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
Ross-Zuj said there was no movement on the Connecting Link program (funding for Highways traversing local urban areas).
“There are a number of municipalities very upset with the download. But (the issue) was conveniently boxed and not talked about … except by those of us trying to get some more information.”
She noted there was a big emphasis on policing costs, which could be good News for Wellington County residents.
Ross-Zuj explained the new model of costing actually benefits the county which until now has been in the higher end of municipalities in terms of policing costs.
The mayor said the province is trying to acheive a balance so everyone is paying roughly the same amount per household.
She said, “It’s not complete fairness, but it is much better than it was.”
Ross-Zuj added, “It could mean funds coming back to the county because we have been overpaying for policing costs.”
Liability continued to be a hot topic, though the mayor said there has been absolutely no changes.
“Therefore we have to continue to be cautious as to the risks we put the municipality at.”
The topic, she said, was illustrated by a number of sad stories – including one municipality where insurance premiums went up over 100 per cent.
“We’re watching and monitoring this one closely.”
Then on Aug. 25, the mayor met with Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong to review all the provincial issues Centre Wellington took to AMO along with federal issues.
“I wanted him to be well aware of our infrastructure applications in terms of roads and bridges.”
She said Chong was very supportive of the applications Centre Wellington is putting forward.
Ross-Zuj also reviewed upcoming items on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities agenda with regard to election readiness.
“If there is a spring election, we want to be part of that agenda. So far our working relationship with the federal government has been excellent. They have recognized both small and rural communities.”
She noted the opening of a program called Hometown Championships in which municipalities can provide perspectives on what is happening in local communities.
Ross-Zuj said Chong is proud to champion the issues of Centre Wellington.
“It was an excellent meeting.”
