The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association believes that northern Ontario’s needs were acknowledged in the provincial budget.
Rick Dumas, who is also the Mayor of Marathon, acknowledges it could have been better, but he’s satisfied with what was announced.
“We were hoping to get a lot more money like anybody in any part of the province, but we understand the government’s priorities, and we believe that some of the key things were addressed in this budget,” says Dumas.
He highlights the province’s choice to extend the Northern Ontario Resource Development Fund.
This fund was set up with a five-year plan to support economic development initiatives.
The province plans to keep funding it, with an annual contribution of $15 million.
Dumas mentions that removing the HST on new homes will also benefit smaller and rural communities in the northwest.
A promise to assist municipalities with aging recreational facilities is seen as vital for the area.
“I have a facility that needs funding, and this is a huge aspect of that opportunity for the provincial government to step up and help municipalities, specifically small northern rural communities, that have the hub of their community is their arena complex facility. So that’s very important.”
Dumas is also pleased about ongoing investments in further sections of four-lane Trans-Canada Highway.
He states they will keep advocating for more upgrades with both provincial and federal governments.
“We’re continuing to focus on the twinning of the highways in northern Ontario from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste. Marie, from Nipigon to North Bay,” says Dumas.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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