]Warden George Bridge took local priorities directly to Parliament as part of a delegation of municipal leaders from across Canada.
Led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the delegation scheduled 150 meetings with parliamentarians Nov. 24 to 26, to guide the design of Phase 2 of the federal plan to invest in transit, social and green infrastructure.
“This infrastructure plan has tremendous potential to boost our economy and quality of life here in Wellington County,” said Bridge.
“But to unlock that potential, the federal government needs to get the programs right, and we’re here to ensure they improve lives here and across the country.”
Municipalities deliver cost-effective solutions to local needs in ways that tackle national challenges – like creating jobs and reducing GHG emissions, states a Nov. 22 press release from the County of Wellington.
To bring that strength to Phase 2, municipalities are urging Ottawa to provide the predictable allocations communities need to plan, tap local know-how and move forward.
They say cost-sharing should be modernized so local fiscal limits don’t block progress.
They also recommend dedicating most of the social infrastructure fFund to affordable housing.
“Ottawa just committed billions to rural and northern infrastructure needs specifically,” said Bridge
“If they get those program details right, we can look forward to better roads and bridges, better water and waste systems, more affordable housing, and a boost for our economy and quality of life.”
The federal government’s recent fall economic statement expanded its Phase 2 infrastructure commitment to $81 billion over 11 years, while announcing dedicated support for smaller and remote communities.
Program details for Phase 2 are expected no later than the 2017 federal budget.
