Success for West Grey at 2022 AMO conference

West Grey proposed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) build on the recent Ombudsman review of the Integrity Commissioner system to include a public education component outlining the value and purpose of this system. West Grey also advocated for consistency in provincial transfer payments which rural municipalities need to meet infrastructure pressures. In addition to stabilizing these transfer payments, West Grey requested the opportunity to explore a new grant program – the Rural Ontario Community Investment Grant - that would provide funds for rural municipalities to explore and implement innovative and community-building initiatives. Ministry staff and West Grey staff will be meeting soon to continue the dialogue. 

“West Grey’s goal through our delegation meetings is to ensure continued investment in West Grey and to strengthen our working relationship with provincial partners,” said Mayor Christine Robinson. “I am pleased with the commitments from Associate Minister Michael Parsa and ministry staff to work closely with West Grey in exploring the proposals discussed at this year’s meeting.” 

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 Rebecca Hergert and Stephen Townsend.  

The AMO conference also includes elections to the board of directors. West Grey mayor, Christine Robinson, was acclaimed for her position as a board member, rural caucus. The AMO board helps set policy for the association, and during the 2022-2024 term, AMO committed to focusing on several initiatives such as economic recovery, planning and growth, affordable housing, infrastructure investment, broadband expansion, transit and investing in public health, long-term care, and mental health. 

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