Chatham-Kent’s newest councillor is eager to learn as part of Chatham-Kent’s delegation at this week’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.
East Kent representative Morena McDonald is in Ottawa for the three day conference, which includes networking, information sessions, and an opportunity to meet with provincial officials and discuss local issues of importance.
McDonald says it should be a great learning experience.
“I’m eager to learn from other rural councillors because of course I’m only three months in, and although I have spoken with local councillors, I’d really love to see what other communities are doing.”
McDonald says most Ontario municipalities are dealing with similar issues as CK, such as homelessness, affordable housing, and mental health issues, and they need the province’s help.
“Many of the main issues, it’s funding, so (we’re) calling on the provincial government to consider investing more in these issues. At the end of the day, we’re small municipalities, we’re tackling a lot of things on the ground, but there’s other things the province can step in and help us with.”
Other delegates from Chatham-Kent include Mayor Darrin Canniff, councillors Brock McGregor, Lauren Anderson, Jamie McGrail, and Alysson Storey, along with several administrative staff.
The AMO conference wraps up on Wednesday.
