West Grey is optimistic about the response to its delegations at this year’s ROMA Conference.
The 2021 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference was held on on January 25 and 26. It gives municipalities the opportunity to speak with provincial ministries, attend workshops and network.
Mayor Christine Robinson says, “West Grey was well represented at this year’s conference. We had clear goals of bringing West Grey’s initiatives to the forefront and advocating for funding and support to continue building our community. I am pleased with the positive dialogue and knowing those goals were achieved.”
A release says, the West Grey delegation met with Minister Jeff Yurek, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to advocate for two climate change related issues.
The delegation called for urgent public education to mitigate flood damage given the increase in basement dwellings to make up the shortfall in affordable housing.
The second asked for support for environmental initiatives including steps to catalogue, maintain and protect West Grey’s natural assets and to develop a more comprehensive asset management plan.
West Grey also met with Parliamentary Assistant Randy Pettapiece, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to discuss how to prepare for the influx of population growth from urban centres.
During this delegation, Mayor Christine Robinson acknowledged the provincial investments in broadband and noted rural Ontario communities will need further investments in recreation, housing and programs for newcomers.
She says in a statement, “The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks accepted our invitation to join us in
more detailed conversations about climate change and supports for municipalities including West Grey who have declared a climate change emergency,” she adds, “We also received a commitment from OMAFRA to bring our points about urban migration to their discussions within the ministry.”