Shoreline erosion, broadband, and housing issues were top of mind for Chatham-Kent officials at this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association, or ROMA Conference.
The local delegation to the conference, held virtually once again because of the pandemic, included Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councillor Mary Clare Latimer, along with several administrative officials and other staff.
New provincial funding was announced to build new housing, support modern and efficient public infrastructure, and boost economic development in rural communities across Ontario.
$28-million is being provided to support 322 projects through the Municipal Modernization Program.
“Since day one, our government has been working with our rural municipal partners to address local priorities, seize opportunities and help empower communities to reach their full potential,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Together, we will keep our communities safe and ensure that rural municipalities have the support they need to build more homes faster, attract business and investment and create jobs.”
Through a new targeted intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, Ontario is also helping local communities to attract and retain workers, create new jobs and help support families and businesses affected by COVID-19. Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and local service boards can make applications for funding from February 7 to March 7.
Hundreds of municipal officials from across Ontario took part in this week’s conference, with key priorities including economic growth, public health, resource development, increasing housing supply, and supports for the province’s most vulnerable.
