Significant results from West Grey’s work at AMO conference

WEST GREY, ON— The 2021 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, held virtually for the second year in a row, resulted in important commitments for West Grey from three provincial ministries, Enbridge Gas and Hydro One.

“West Grey’s focus in these meetings was to ensure continued investment in West Grey,” said Mayor Christine Robinson. “I am pleased with the commitments from our provincial partners as well as Hydro One and Enbridge. All parties pledged to ongoing dialogue, two-way information sharing, and growing our already collaborative working relationships.”

West Grey’s delegations resulted in the following key successes:

• A review of hydro capacity and grid expansion with Hydro One and a discussion of a Hydro Capacity Plan – all with an eye to ensuring West Grey is investment ready in the future.
• An update from Enbridge on the Neustadt expansion project and information about Enbridge’s low carbon commitment and initiatives. Enbridge confirmed there will be extensive community outreach as both projects move forward.
• Two productive discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding consistent provincial funding to assist with municipal budget stability and exploring COVID support for small businesses in rural Ontario. West Grey’s requests were well received, with Minister Bethlenfalvy committing closer consideration of our proposals.
• Proactive conversations with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding provincial support to help address the local impacts of climate change. Minister Piccini discussed the work of the Climate Risk Institute and acknowledged that success in combatting climate change must be cooperative and not a “top-down” approach.
• The final meeting with the Ministry of Transportation focused on enhanced collaboration when planning major capital projects and addressing the potential of inequity for local priorities and provincial planning. Minister Mulroney’s staff noted that they value proactive dialogue and, together, ministry and municipal staff will work toward long-term planning for mutual assets.

The AMO conference is an annual event held in August and gives municipal politicians and staff an opportunity to speak with provincial ministries, attend webinars and network. The West Grey council delegation included Mayor Christine Robinson, Deputy Mayor Tom Hutchinson, and Councillors Doug Hutchinson, Geoffrey Shea and Stephen Townsend.

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