Wellington County is working with other municipal leaders on a plan to see federal infrastructure funding benefit all communities.
Warden George Bridge says the Federation of Canadian Municipalities champions local issues and solutions to help shape national policy for the municipal sector.
“People in Wellington County know we need investment in our county and its local municipalities. Strengthening communities like ours is how we strengthen Canada,” says Bridge. “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.”
At the meeting in Oakville this week, Bridge discussed the $48-billion Phase 2 federal infrastructure fund.
The federation agreed Canada should empower local decision makers to drive the strategic investments in transit and green infrastructure.
They would also like to see strong action on housing, and bolstering rural Canada with an enhanced Small Communities Fund.
Municipal leaders are hopeful Phase 2 will also include a 50% federal share, while the province kicks in with no less than a third.
“There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and local governments understand local needs best. With predictable federal transfers, we can plan long-term, pull in local expertise, and move cost-effective projects forward quickly,” says Bridge.
They also agreed that Phase 2 should streamline investment in green and transit infrastructure as stable, predictable allocations for municipalities.
