Wellington County Warden George Bridge met with other municipal leaders from across Canada last week, uniting behind a plan to ensure that federal infrastructure investments benefit all communities, including Wellington County.
As a board member for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Bridge “champions local issues and solutions to help shape the national policy agenda of the municipal sector,” states a Sept. 16 press release from the county.
At its Sept. 13 to 16 meeting in Oakville, the FCM board united behind a plan to ensure that all communities benefit from the $48-billion Phase 2 federal infrastructure fund.
“Municipalities are calling on the federal government to empower local decision-makers to drive forward the most strategic investments in transit and green infrastructure,” the release states. “They are also urging strong action to tackle the housing crisis, and to bolster rural Canada with an enhanced Small Communities fund.”
Bridge, also mayor of the Town of Minto, said, “People in Wellington County know we need investment in our county and its local municipalities. Strengthening communities like ours is how we strengthen Canada.
“When we fix our roads and bridges, we keep people safe, cut commutes and boost the economy by making sure goods can get to market.”
The release indicates municipal leaders acknowledged the vital importance of the federal government’s decision to grow its contribution to 50 per cent of costs. Sharing their Phase 1 experiences across the country, they agreed that a successful Phase 2 will require an ongoing 50% federal share, with provinces partnering with no less than their traditional one-third share.
FCM representatives also agreed that Phase 2 should streamline investment in green and transit infrastructure as “stable, predictable allocations” for municipalities.
“There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and local governments understand local needs best,” said Bridge.
“With predictable federal transfers, we can plan long-term, pull in local expertise, and move cost-effective projects forward quickly.”
