A number of funding announcements have come out of this week’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa.
Chatham-Kent’s delegation, including the mayor, several councillors, and municipal staff, took part in various meetings with provincial officials during the three-day conference, seeking support for housing, mental health and addiction issues, stormwater management, and infrastructure needs.
A $1-billion federal-provincial fund was unveiled to help smaller towns build the roads and water systems needed for new homes.
On the healthcare front, the province is opening applications this fall for a $ 250-million push to connect 600,000 more residents to primary care doctors. Over one billion dollars is also heading to emergency services to boost land ambulance funding by nine percent.
As well, a $100-million grant intake is now open through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to build and repair local sports facilities.
“Our government appreciates our strong partnership with Ontario’s 444 municipalities, which has enabled us to make meaningful progress on a number of shared goals,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in a news release. “Despite living through a period of significant uncertainty, Ontario continues to attract people and investment from around the world, building strong communities where people and families are positioned for success.”
AMO is a non-profit organization that represents Ontario’s municipalities, and the annual conference brings together multiple levels of government to advance shared priorities.