County heads to Ottawa with Brant priorities in hand
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Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
County of Brant officials used this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference to press provincial leaders on local infrastructure and energy priorities, while also taking part in regional discussions on economic development and Indigenous relations.
Mayor David Bailey, Coun. Ella Haley and County of Brant staff attended the annual AMO conference in Ottawa from Aug. 16 to 19.
The conference brings municipal leaders from across Ontario together for meetings with provincial ministries, workshops and discussions on issues affecting communities across the province.
For Bailey, who is attending his final AMO conference as mayor, the event was also an opportunity to connect with municipal leaders facing many of the same challenges as Brant.
“It is always great to connect with Mayors from other communities, especially those that share similarities with Brant,” Bailey said. “These conversations give us an opportunity to learn from one another and recognize that many of our communities are facing situations.”
The County’s delegation meetings included discussions with the Ministry of Transportation regarding construction of Highway 403 and the Bishopsgate Road interchange, as well as a meeting with the Ministry of Energy and Mines concerning the third phase of the Natural Gas Expansion Program.
The County has identified the Bishopsgate Road interchange as an important transportation priority as development continues in the area.
The Paris Independent asked the County for additional details about the concerns raised with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the Bishopsgate Road interchange, the province’s response and what the next steps could be. The County advised that a report addressing those questions will be presented to Council’s Policy Committee on Sept. 1.
However, staff advised that a full report will be presented to County Council’s Policy Committee on Sept. 1.
The County was also asked about other meetings with provincial ministers, parliamentary assistants or government officials during the conference and whether any commitments were made that residents should be aware of.
Those details are also expected to be addressed in the Sept. 1 report.
In its post-conference release, the County said officials also participated in advocacy sessions with the South-Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, including a session with Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Victor Fedeli.
Bailey said the conference provides municipalities with an opportunity to advocate directly for their communities while building relationships with other levels of government.
“Council remains committed to advocating for the needs of our community,” Bailey said. “Delegation opportunities at AMO allow us to put a spotlight on Brant, advance important priorities and work toward solutions that support those who live, work and visit the County of Brant, now and for generations to come.”
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario represents all 444 municipalities in Ontario and uses the annual conference as an opportunity to advocate on behalf of municipal governments and connect local leaders with provincial decision-makers.
Bailey also attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River during the conference.
The MOU, announced Aug. 18, outlines a path toward future collaboration on development processes involving the Boundary Lands and includes plans for a Community Prosperity Fund intended to provide Six Nations with a share of the economic benefits associated with future development.
Bailey has described the agreement as long overdue and said the opportunity to witness the signing was significant.
The agreement has since been clarified by the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council.
In a statement issued Aug. 20, Six Nations emphasized that the MOU is not a final agreement concerning the Boundary Lands and does not surrender, sell or transfer any Six Nations lands, rights or interests.
The statement said the MOU represents the beginning of future collaboration and discussions and that Six Nations will continue advocating to the province for legislative changes. It also stressed that nothing in the agreement is intended to take away from the treaty, constitutional or inherent rights of Six Nations.
Six Nations said community consultation will take place before any formal agreement is signed and that no final decision has been made.
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