THE COUNTIES, Ontario – Officials with the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry attended the virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference this week, driving home messaging that focused on a trio of issues specific to SDG.
Two delegations were held with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minster of Municipal Affairs, and SD-SG MPP Jim McDonell, the first of which dealt with SDG’s ongoing appeal of the Counties’ Official Plan. The plan was adopted by Counties Council in 2018 and modified by the province without consultation with SDG or its residents.
The second meeting with McDonell focused on making it easier for upper-tier municipalities, like SDG, to implement Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) and programming which provides funding to small businesses to expand, create jobs, and add wealth to the local economy.
“A solid partnership with the Province of Ontario is key to ensuring that we have the ability to implement programs that benefit our residents, and advocate for their best interests,” said SDG CAO Timothy Simpson. “This year’s conference, and our meetings with provincial decision-makers, have helped to bring greater focus to the priorities we have set for our residents, and business owners.”
An SDG delegation was also held with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education Sam Oosterhoff to review the status of the Counties’ review of rural education. SDG has commissioned a report to make recommendations to improve rural education, including educating children as close to home as possible.
Given the significance of this issue to SDG residents, Counties officials have requested to meet with Minister of Education Stephen Lecce to review findings and plan next steps. For many years, the Counties has been advocating for changes to the education system that level the playing field for rural students and minimize the closure of rural schools.
“Rural education and access to quality learning is a clear priority for our Council, which is why we are requesting a meeting with Minister Lecce so that he can hear our concerns directly,” said Warden Allan Armstrong. “This is an issue that is not specific to SDG, but all of rural Ontario, and we want to ensure our young people, who live in a rural setting, have the same opportunities as those from an urban centre.”
Counties officials also participated in several meetings as part of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC). These included sessions with the NDP and Liberal caucuses, as well as a ‘Multi-Ministers’ session with members of the provincial cabinet. These sessions were used to advance the priorities of the EOWC, including better access to broadband internet for rural residents, long-term care/health care transformation, and affordable housing.
“Forums such as the AMO conference are a great way for SDG and the EOWC to meet face-to-face with our counterparts at Queen’s Park,” said Armstrong. “We utilize every opportunity to advance the priorities not only of SDG, but of our entire region through the EOWC. It is important that provincial officials understand and appreciate the issues that matter to our residents so that these viewpoints are considered when decisions are made.”