Chatham-Kent (CK) has seven delegates at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, pushing for provincial support to tackle some of the region’s biggest issues.
In Ottawa for the multi-day event are Mayor Darrin Canniff along with Councillors Lauren Anderson, Melissa Harrigan, Brock Mc Gregor, Carmen Mc Gregor, Morena Mc Donald, and Alysson Storey. A team of municipal staff is also in attendance.
This yearly gathering gives municipal leaders a chance to speak directly with their provincial counterparts about local needs. For Chatham-Kent, key focuses include renovictions, storm water management, supportive housing, and infrastructure improvements.
“We are at AMO to make sure Chatham-Kent’s voice is heard and to advocate for the funding and partnerships we need to deliver real solutions,” said Canniff.
Regarding supportive housing, CK seeks information, funding, and collaboration opportunities aimed at achieving a goal of creating 50 supportive housing units and 392 affordable housing units over the next decade.
The municipality is also advocating for stronger protections for Ontario’s existing rental homes. CK calls for a province-wide strategy to reduce inappropriate renovictions. This would involve enhanced verification and enforcement measures along with better support for tenants who face displacement.
Funding for storm water projects is crucial too, especially in areas like Tilbury and Ridgetown that require infrastructure upgrades to support growth.
Chatham-Kent is looking for a $4-million investment from the province toward the Talbot Trail realignment project. A permanent adjustment is necessary to reopen approximately one kilometer of trail that has been closed since 2019 due to shoreline erosion. The overall cost of this project is estimated at $8 million.
“Our message is that Chatham-Kent is ready to invest and ready to build, but municipalities need sustainable partners,” said Canniff. “Every provincial dollar we can secure for infrastructure, housing, and social services is an investment in the future of Chatham-Kent and helps lessen the burden that would otherwise fall on local property taxpayers.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed housing during his speech at the conference on Monday morning. However, he concentrated more on new builds and home ownership rather than supportive or rental units.
“To keep the dream of home ownership alive and build affordable homes faster, we’re investing $8.8 billion in partnership with the federal government to support housing-enabling infrastructure across the province in municipalities that reduce development charges,” Ford said. He added that $1 billion from this funding will go towards infrastructure projects.
The premier also announced that communities can apply for funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). He described this $500 million fund as “the largest investment of its kind in Ontario’s history.”
The CSRIF aims to build or upgrade arenas, community centers, pools, and playing fields while promoting training for young athletes in Ontario as well as encouraging active lifestyles.
The AMO conference runs until August 19.
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