Ontario local leaders call for 'new deal' as municipalities gather in Ottawa
CTV
Growing challenges across Ontario will be on the agenda Monday as local leaders descend on Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.
Growing challenges across Ontario will be on the agenda Monday as local leaders descend on Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.
Thousands are expected to attend, representing gather 444 municipal governments with over 2,000 attendees.
Top issues will include the opioid crisis, extreme weather and growing homelessness.
"Property taxation cannot fund the infrastructure costs and the increased demand on municipal services. We need a new deal. A new funding framework is essential to ensure the future financial viability of our organizations, cities, towns and regions," said Karen Redman, regional chair for the Waterloo Region.
The municipalities are also asking for a meeting with the province to discuss how Ontario's public services can be funded and delivered more effectively.
Leaders say their budgets are strained because of rising costs associated with homelessness, mental health and addictions.
"There are about 1,400 homeless encampments in Ontario in 2023 and last year, more than 2,500 people died from opioid use," said Colin Best, AMO president and Region of Halton councillor.
