EOWC Wardens' Meeting - 18 Jul 2024 - Agenda

Body: EOWC Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: July 18, 2024 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County

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EOWC Wardens’ Meeting Agenda Thursday, July 18, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. Virtual Zoom

Agenda Page 1.

Call to Order / Welcome / Land Acknowledgement On behalf of the members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I would like to formally recognize the traditional keepers of this land. The EOWC recognizes that our work and the work of municipal governments takes place on traditional Indigenous territories. We recognize and respect the history, languages, and cultures of all Indigenous peoples on this land whose presence continues to enrich our communities.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

Approval of Agenda 3.1 Agenda of the July 18, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meeting Recommended Motion “That the Agenda of the July 18, 2024 meeting be adopted as circulated.”

8 - 17

Approval of Minutes 4.1 Minutes of the May 23, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meeting Recommended Motion “That the Minutes from the EOWC meeting of May 23, 2024 be approved as presented.” Minutes - EOWC Wardens’ Meeting May 23, 2024

Delegations 5.1 Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare Advancement Coordinator, Peterborough County / Chair, EOPRA EOPRA Presentation

New Business / Announcements

18 - 24

Page 25 - 32

6.1

6.2

2024 AMO Draft Materials - Meredith Staveley-Watson / All 

Ministry of Infrastructure / Ministry of Rural Affairs o Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper o Draft handout - Mind the Gap: 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper (forthcoming Monday, July 15) o 2024 AMO Conference Multi-Minister Request Form



Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing o Briefing note (forthcoming) o EOWC AMO 2024 Conference - Individual Ministry Delegation Submissions



Ministry of Long-Term Care o Briefing note (forthcoming) o EOWC AMO 2024 Conference - Individual Ministry Delegation Submissions

AMO Delegation Speaking Leads - Chair Peter Emon / All 

Page 2 of 240

EOWC members are to provide Meredith with their top 3 delegations in order of preference that they would like to attend and speak at o Ministry of Infrastructure o Ministry of Rural Affairs o Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing o Ministry of Long-Term Care o Ontario Liberal Caucus o Ontario NDP Caucus

Page 33 - 37

6.3

AMO/OMA Joint Resolution Campaign on Physician Shortage - Chair Emon / All EOWC - AMO-OMA Joint Resolution Campaign on Physician Shortage AMOOMALTRCampaignMDShortageinOntario2024-07-04 Recommended Resolution “WHEREAS the state of health care in Ontario is in crisis, with 2.3 million Ontarians lacking access to a family doctor, emergency room closures across the province, patients being de-rostered and 40% of family doctors considering retirement over the next five years; and WHEREAS it has becoming increasingly challenging to attract and retain an adequate healthcare workforce throughout the health sector across Ontario; and WHERAS Ontario municipal governments play an integral role in the health care system through responsibilities in public health, long-term care, paramedicine, and other investments; and WHEREAS the percentage of family physicians practicing comprehensive family medicine has declined from 77 in 2008 to 65 percent in 2022; and WHEREAS per capita health-care spending in Ontario is the lowest of all provinces in Canada, and WHEREAS a robust workforce developed through a provincial, sectorwide health human resources strategy would significantly improve access to health services across the province. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) urge the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in the EOWC region and Ontario, to fund health care appropriately and ensure every Ontarian has access to physician care.”

Recommended Motion “That the EOWC directs staff to request a meeting with the Ontario Medical Association during the 2024 AMO Conference and provide material related to the strategic priority of health care access.”

Page 3 of 240

Page 38 - 44

6.4

Infrastructure Paper: Advocacy Resolution - Meredith Staveley-Watson DRAFT Resolution Template for Municipalities - Calling for Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities - June 27, 2024 EOWC Resolution - Refreshed 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper and Key Messages - May 23, 2024 June 5 2024 - EOWC News Release - Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper EOWC Speaking Points to Council

6.5

Housing - Connor Dorey / All  

45 - 48

6.6

Regional Housing Plan (internal document forthcoming) Speaking points for EOWC for members (forthcoming)

AMO Social and Economic Prosperity Review / EOWC Letter of Support

• Chair Emon / All Prosperity Review At a Glance Draft - EOWC Letter - AMO Continues to Advocate for a Social and Economic Prosperity Review Recommended Motion “That the EOWC directs staff to submit a letter of support to the Ontario Government to continue to advocate for the Social and Economic Prosperity Review that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario is leading.”

6.7

EORN Update - Jason St.Pierre, CEO, EORN

6.8

EOLC Update - Vice-Chair Clark / Sheridan Graham

Correspondence

Page 4 of 240

Page 49 - 78

7.1

Outgoing EOWC June 2024 Newsletter Release of Infrastructure Paper and Strategic Plan EOWC Resolution - EOWC 2024-2027 Strategic Plan - May 23, 2024 EOWC Resolution - Update and Board of Directors Election- May 23, 2024 EOWC Resolution - EORN Board of Directors Election - May 23 2024 EOWC Resolution - Refreshed 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper and Key Messages - May 23, 2024 DRAFT Resolution Template for Municipalities - Calling for Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities - June 27, 2024 Associate Minister Quinn - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Cho - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Flack - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Lecce - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Smith - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Thanigasalam - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 Minister Thompson - EOWC Letter - Cabinet Shuffle - June 24, 2024 FMSC and EORN Invitation 2024-07-17 Final

Page 5 of 240

Page 79 - 240

7.2

Incoming 2024-05-09 - PEC - Resolution of support for provincinal and federal governments to end the housing affordability crisis 2024-05-13 - Town of Rainy River - Wawa MAF Resolution 2024-05-14 - Lanark Highlands - Letter of Support Resolution – Request to the Province to Amend the Blue Box Regulation 2024-05-21 - Northumberland County - Resolution Support ‘Ridesharing Services’ 2024-05-22 - Stirling-Marmora - Resolution of Support - PEC - Housing Affordability Crisis 2024-05-23 WOWC Media Release - Return of Ontario West Municipal Conference 2024-05-28 - Lanark Highlands - Letter of Support - Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities 2024-05-29 - Renfrew County - Ford Support Rehab Facility 2024-05-29 - Renfrew County - International Student Cap 2024-06-03 - EORN Press Release English 2024-06-03 - EORN Press Release French 2024-06-04 - Hon. Kinga Surma - Thank you for your letter of support for the HEWSF 2024-06-05 - Municipality of Central Huron - Letter of Support Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities 2024-06-10 - Resolution of Support - Stirling-Rawdon - Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities 2024-06-11 - Township of Larder Lake Council Resolution - Sustainable Infrastructure 2024-06-13 - Township of North Dundas - Resolution Infrastructure Small Rural Municipalities 2024-06-14 - Duffering County - Housing Strategy Advocacy 2024-06-14 - Minister Calandra - Reply to Chair Emon regarding supporting the DC framework 2024-06-18 - OHBA Letter - Support for Communal Decentralized Water and Wastewater Solutions 2024-06-18 - Tay Valley Township - Resolution - Request for Support of National Basic Income 2024-06-19 - Municipality of McDougall - sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities 2024-06-24 - Northumberland County - Resolution Support ‘Federal Infrastructure Funding’ 2024-06-24 - Support Letter and Resolution to Increase Infrastructure Funding 2024-06-26 - Township of Selwyn - Letter of Resolution - Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus (EOWC) 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper

Page 6 of 240

Page 2024-06-28 - Lanark Basic Income Network - Request for Support of National Basic Income 2024-06-31 - Northumberland County - Resolution Support ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities’ 2024-07-02 - County of Frontenac - Letter re support for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities 2024-07-08 - Village of Merrickville-Wolford Council Resolution Investment in Municipal Infrastructure Time to Grow - A Regional Economic Development Plan for Northwestern Ontario 8.

Notice of Motions

Confirmation By-Law # 2024-07 “That the Board of Directors of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus hereby enacts as follows:

1. That the action of the Board of Directors at its meeting held the 18 day of July, 2024 in respect of each motion, resolution, by-law and other action passed and taken by the Board of Directors at its said meeting, except where prior approval of any other body or agency is required, is hereby adopted, ratified, and confirmed.

2. That the Chair and the proper officers of the Corporation of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc. are hereby authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain any approvals where required, and to execute all documents as may be necessary, and the Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to affix the Corporate Seal to all such documents.”

Next Meeting Thursday, August 15, 2024 Virtual

Adjournment Recommended Motion “That the EOWC Meeting be adjourned.”

Page 7 of 240

Minutes Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Thursday, May 23, 2024 – 1:00pm-4:30pm Pilot’s Lounge County Rd 22 Building 7 Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Present:

Chair Peter Emon (Renfrew), Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark (Peterborough), Warden Frances Smith (Frontenac), Warden Liz Danielsen (Haliburton), Warden Bob Mullin (Hastings), Mayor Doug Elmslie (Kawartha Lakes), Warden Steve Fournier (Lanark), Warden John Wise (Lennox & Addington), Warden Brian Ostrander (Northumberland), Mayor Steve Ferguson (Prince Edward County), Warden Jamie MacDonald (Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry)

Regrets:

Warden Nancy Peckford (Leeds & Grenville), Warden Normand Riopel (Prescott & Russell), Stéphane Parisien (Prescott & Russell), Marcia Wallace (Prince Edward)

CAOs:

Kevin Farrell (Frontenac), Gary Dyke (Haliburton), Connor Dorey (Hastings), Ron Taylor (Kawartha Lakes), Kurt Greaves (Lanark), Ray Callery (Leeds & Grenville), Brenda Orchard (Lennox & Addington), Jennifer Moore (Northumberland), Sheridan Graham (Peterborough), Secretary-Treasurer Craig Kelley (Renfrew), Maureen Adams (Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry)

Guests:

Meredith-Staveley-Watson (EOWC), Lauren Wilkinson (EOWC), Jason St.Pierre (EORN)

Call Meeting to Order / Welcome / Land Acknowledgement Chair Peter Emon called the meeting to order at 12:59pm. Chair Peter Emon welcomed attendees and read the Land Acknowledgement. Mayor Steve Ferguson spoke about the significance and evolution of Base 31 over the years and noted the contributions to the Prince Edward County community and introduced Tim Jones, CEO, Base 31. [Brenda Orchard entered at 1:03pm]

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1.1

Welcome to Base 31 – Tim Jones, CEO, Base 31 • Tim presented the history of Base 31, highlighting arts and culture as a catalyst for transformation. • He discussed transforming the location into a cultural tourism destination with global relevance and emphasized working with community partners to build momentum. He thanked Mayor Ferguson for his leadership. • Chair Peter Emon thanked Tim and congratulated him on the facility.

[Warden John Wise entered at 1:07pm]

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

Approval of Agenda 3.1

Agenda of the May 23, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meeting Motion “That the Agenda of the May 23, 2024 meeting be approved as circulated.” Moved by: Mayor Doug Elmslie Seconded by: Warden Frances Smith Carried

Approval of Minutes 4.1

Minutes of the March 21-22, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meeting Motion “That the Minutes from the EOWC meetings of March 21-22, 2024 be approved as presented.” Moved by: Warden Brian Ostrander Seconded by: Warden John Wise Carried

Delegations – Not Applicable

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6.

New Business / Announcements 6.1

EOWC 2024-2027 Strategic Plan (Draft) – Chair Peter Emon / Working Group Members • The group discussed the Strategic Plan as is and it was decided that no changes to the document were necessary. Resolution “That the EOWC approves and adopts the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, and its mission vision and value statements; and Further that the EOWC uses the Strategic Plan as a guide for the EOWC and staff in the creation and implementation of the advocacy, priorities, projects, and budget; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to bring back the strategic plan for yearly review and discussion during the annual strategic planning meeting(s) held in March and a fulsome review following the Municipal Elections in 2027; and Further that the EOWC shares a copy of this resolution and the Strategic Plan with the 103 municipalities once publicly launched.” Moved by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Jamie MacDonald Carried

6.2

Refreshed 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper and Key Messages – Meredith Staveley-Watson / Working Group Members • It was discussed that the EOWC will endorse this policy paper, and further that staff can provide templates to municipalities that fit local circumstances. • It was confirmed that the Strategic Plan launch will precede the infrastructure paper launch. • Chair Peter Emon thanked the working group for their work on the report. Motion “That the EOWC approves the proposed key messages based on the 2024 EOWC Infrastructure Policy Paper updated by Pivotal Momentum; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to use these key messages as part of the EOWC’s advocacy and communications efforts moving forward (in part or in whole based on context), including

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at the AMO 2024 Conference; and Further that the EOWC’s Municipal Councils are encouraged to bring forward resolutions of support to advocate the Federal Government and Provincial Government for investment based on the EOWC’s 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper evidence once the paper is launched publicly.” Moved by: Warden Liz Danielsen Seconded by: Warden Bob Mullin Carried 6.3

AMO 2024 Delegation Meeting Requests – All • Meredith explained and sought feedback regarding the strategic approach to both the EOWC’s multi-ministry meeting as well as individual delegation meetings, emphasizing that requests are now very specific to ensure focused discussions with Ministers. • Meredith advised that there may be changes pending government approval of the delegation requests. Motion “That the EOWC directs staff to submit delegation requests for the AMO 2024 Conference around the strategic priorities outlined in the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan by June 7, 2024.” Moved by: Mayor Doug Elmslie Seconded by: Warden Brian Ostrander Carried

6.4

Supporting the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance – Warden Brian Ostrander • Item deferred until a later date.

6.5

EORN Draft letter of support for Communal Services - Jason St.Pierre, CEO, EORN • Jason explained that the goal of this letter is to show willingness to adopt communal services through rural municipalities. • Confirmed EOWC to send one regional communal services support letter, and municipalities can also send individual letters if desired. • Staff will provide a template letter of support to 13 members. Motion “That the EOWC directs staff to send a letter to show support for

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the utilization of communal decentralized water and wastewater solutions across rural and small urban communities in Eastern Ontario.” Moved by: Warden Jamie MacDonald Seconded by: Mayor Steve Ferguson Carried 6.6

EORN Update and Board of Directors Election – Jason St.Pierre, CEO, EORN •

Kurt Greaves called for nominations. First nomination Warden Frances Smith nominates Warden Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Liz Danielsen Second Nomination Warden Bonnie Clark nominates Warden Frances Smith Seconded by: Warden Jamie MacDonald Nomination accepted

Amended Resolution “Whereas, two vacancies exist on the EORN Board of Directors; and Whereas, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is responsible for appointing five members to the EORN Board of Directors; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus: The EOWC hereby acknowledges the vacancies on the EORN Board of Directors. The EOWC will initiate the process to fill the vacancies on the EORN Board of Directors with a call for nominations from eligible candidates who demonstrate the requisite skills, experience, and commitment to serve on the EORN Board of Directors and follow the prescribed EOWC procedures around nomination and selection. The appointed members shall serve the remainder of the oneyear term of outgoing member Pierre Leroux, with the possibility

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of serving an additional five consecutive terms to a maximum of six one-year terms, that includes the partial term at the discretion of the EOWC.” Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the EORN Board of Directors." Moved by: Warden Brian Ostrander Seconded by: Warden Steve Fournier Carried 6.7

EOLC Update and Board of Directors Election – Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark / Sheridan Graham •

Kurt Greaves called for nominations Nomination: Warden Jamie MacDonald nominated Mayor Doug Elmslie Seconded by: Mayor Steve Ferguson Nomination accepted

Resolution “Whereas a vacancy exists on the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC) Board of Directors due to Chair Roger Haley’s end of term; and Whereas the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is responsible for appointing two members to the EOLC Board of Directors; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the EOWC: The EOWC hereby acknowledges the vacancy on the EOLC Board of Directors. The EOWC will initiate the process to fill the vacancy on the EOLC Board of Directors by the Annual General Meeting on June 27, 2024, with a call for nominations from eligible candidates who demonstrate the requisite skills, experience, and commitment to serve on the EOLC Board of Directors and follow the prescribed EOWC procedures around nomination and selection. The Director shall be elected for a two (2) year term, with eligibility for re-election at the end of their term, for a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.

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Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the EOLC Board of Directors.” Moved by: Warden Frances Smith Seconded by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Carried 6.8

Securing Access to Natural Gas Draft Letter of Comment for Phase Two - Meredith Staveley-Watson • There was discussion around the language in this letter. • Warden John Wise raised concerns around sustainability, and disagrees with promoting natural gas infrastructure, instead pushing for greener alternatives. Warden Wise did not support sending this letter. • Mayor Doug Elmslie countered that in rural areas, natural gas is a cheaper and more convenient alternative to propane and wood. For agricultural operations, natural gas is easier to use and obtain. Mayor Elmslie highlighted that natural gas is necessary due to affordable housing concerns. • Chair Peter Emon suggested slight amendments to be made to the letter before staff submit to the Ontario Energy Board to address sustainability. Motion “That the EOWC submit a letter of comment to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) on Enbridge Gas Inc.’s Rate Rebasing Application Phase 2 (EB-2024-0111) supporting to continue to advance access to affordable energy and propel economic growth across Eastern Ontario.” Moved by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Frances Smith Carried

6.9

EOWC Communications Update – Meredith Staveley-Watson • Meredith gave an overview of the communications report and discussed progress to-date.

6.10

EOWC Manager Work Plan – Meredith Staveley-Watson Motion “That the EOWC direct staff to execute the outlined work plan as it relates to the strategic plan and report progress back to the EOWC.”

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Moved by: Mayor Doug Elmslie Seconded by: Warden Brian Ostrander 6.11

AMO 2024-2026 Board of Directors Nomination – Meredith Staveley-Watson • The group reaffirmed it is great to have Meredith as a voice for EOWC’s priorities. • Meredith thanked Warden Frances Smith and Kevin Farrell for the support from Frontenac County. Resolution “That the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus endorses and supports Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy, in her application to fill the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors’ County Caucus staff vacancy for the remainder of the 2024-2026 term.” Moved by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Jamie MacDonald Carried

Member Updates 7.1

2024 Chair and Vice-Chair Report – Chair Peter Emon and ViceChair Bonnie Clark • Vice-Chair Clark provided an update on what is going on in EOMC and EOLC to bring awareness and attention to the Caucus. • Chair Peter Emon provided a detailed rundown of his activities and appearances over the last few months to ensure the Caucus is fully informed.

7.2

Local Priorities • EOWC members provided local updates. Some highlights include: • Kawartha Lakes hosts an International Plowing match in the first week of October. • Prince Edward County recently opened a transitional housing project in collaboration with community partners. • Northumberland purchased an old retirement home in Cobourg for sheltering homeless people and received provincial funding.

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• • •

•

• •

Leeds and Grenville Council endorsed a report from Indwell to build numerous units over five years, with the first phase of 150 units starting in the fall. Lennox and Addington have been using a non-profit to manage paramedic services since October, which has been successful in offering many resources. Peterborough hosted a Warden’s breakfast with a presentation by Meredith, which was well attended by stakeholders. May 30th is Peterborough County Day at Queen’s Park. Haliburton’s service delivery review has been challenging but successful in joint purchasing through a procurement officer. Purchased a daycare facility that might include housing and office space, with exciting projects underway. Renfrew hosted a housing summit, and are pursuing multiple transitional housing projects, including a former seniors’ residence with 10-12 beds and modular homes. All counties host various fairs and events over the next few months.

Correspondence 8.2

Incoming

8.2

Outgoing Amended Motion “That the EOWC receives the correspondence report; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to send an EOWC letter regarding fire trucks in support of PEC resolution.” Moved by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Liz Danielsen Carried

Notice of Motions

Confirmation By-law By-law #2024-06 “That the Board of Directors of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus hereby enacts as follows:

1. That the action of the Board of Directors at its meeting held

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the 23 day of May, 2024 in respect of each motion, resolution, by-law and other action passed and taken by the Board of Directors at its said meeting, except where prior approval of any other body or agency is required, is hereby adopted, ratified, and confirmed. 2. That the Chair and the proper officers of the Corporation of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc. are hereby authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain any approvals where required, and to execute all documents as may be necessary, and the Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to affix the Corporate Seal to all such documents.” Moved by: Warden Liz Danielson Seconded by: Warden John Wise Carried

Next Meeting Thursday, July 18th, 2024 Virtual

Adjournment Motion: “That the EOWC Meeting be adjourned at 3:24pm.” Moved by: Warden Jamie MacDonald Seconded by: Warden Steve Fournier Carried

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PageRecruitment 18 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

A C O L L A B O R AT I V E M O D E L F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L P H Y S I C I A N R E C R U I T M E N T

PageRecruitment 19 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

Overview

The physician recruitment shortage has reached a significant high across the province of Ontario. With many of our communities having shortages of physicians we are not producing enough family medicine residents in Ontario (400 each year).

Many are choosing not to go into community family practice after graduation.

The Ontario College of Family Physicians reports 2.2 million Ontario residents do not have a primary care provider. That’s 1594 physicians who are needed oversee primary care with an average practice size of 1380.

Addressing this issue impacts ED visits across Ontario and improves overall health outcomes with our residents.

We also know that Ontario Health is limited in their ability to expand reach outside of the province and does not recruit physicians.

PageRecruitment 20 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

Physician Recruitment in Ontario Most of the communities across Ontario have developed or will be developing physician recruitment programs. These Physician Recruiters are important positions to address the physician shortage crisis.  They act as ambassadors to their communities in various capacities and populations  They track clinic space and needs in the community  They are well versed in practice models, ministry restrictions and guidelines, licensing and immigration challenges  They represent their communities at career fairs for family medicine across Ontario  Most programs have a budget to travel within the province, some have the budget to travel internationally.  For the next 10+ years, we will not have the supply of physicians coming from our medical schools locally. It is mandatory that we work with medical schools abroad to repatriate our Ontario students and residents giving them a laid out pathway home.

PageRecruitment 21 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

EOPRA Goals/Objectives EOPRA is a membership-based physician recruitment alliance to:

increase awareness of practice opportunities in Eastern Ontario, targeting physicians (students, residents and practicing physicians) outside of Ontario through collaborative marketing material and split booth costs. develop and maintain a lead CRM platform to shared resources which will enhance the physician candidate experience and fill jobs faster and more efficiently across Ontario Health East. standardize key performance indicators for international physician recruitment, creation of standardized information and checklists to support international physician recruitment. The Alliance is not meant to replace a physician recruitment program. The Alliance is meant to share costs and rotate physician recruiters to attend more events outside of Ontario and Canada. Participating communities would have access to leads that they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.

PageRecruitment 22 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

Success Indicators

Increased number of leads obtained from outside of Canada who may not have otherwise been aware of opportunity in Eastern Ontario.

Enhanced data tracking of placed candidates based on which University they are being trained at – following and acting on trends across the UK, US, Ireland and Australia

Increased number of likes/shares/follows on social media and webpages

A platform that links all recruiters to leads and resources to supports them in the work they do

PageRecruitment 23 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

Operational Considerations Non-profit Corporation

Sponsorship through Scotiabank, MD Financial, MNP Accounting

Duplicate Marketing and branding strategy of SOPRA

CRM/email automation

Website

Developing a list of 10+ international events that we can split costs

Membership fee for recruiters to participate

EOPRA revenue covers booth costs, recruiters cover travel/meals and individual banners

PageRecruitment 24 of 240 Alliance - Lori Richey, Healthcare… Eastern Ontario Physician

Conclusion Many of the communities in Ontario East are rural and by coming together it will help put smaller communities on the radar of international prospects who want to relocate to Ontario and remain affordable for our respective recruitment programs. Currently there are more than 20 potential members of EOPRA. The sharing of best practices with respect to the complex business of International Recruiting will benefit us all. After year 2, the Alliance will have sustainable KPI’s and success measures that can be presented for additional funding through economic development grants, new provincial grants or be split amongst participating physician recruitment programs.

2024 AMO Conference: Multi-Minister Meeting Request Form This year, the AMO conference will be held from August 18 to 21, 2024. Municipal associations can apply for a multi-minister meeting at the conference. A multi-minister meeting allows for a municipal association to engage with a group of ministries on key issues. This form will allow you to identify up to three discussion topics and provide a background for each. Ministry staff will review your request and confirm the appropriate ministers to invite, based on the topics listed. Multi-minister meeting request forms are to be submitted by June 7, 2024. A ministry representative will contact you to discuss your meeting request and let you know if it is successful. Please refer to the tip sheet for suggestions about how to have a successful multi-minister meeting.

1. Enter Association Name *

Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus 2. Enter full names and titles of delegates from your association who will attend the meeting. * EOWC 2024 Chair, Peter Emon, Warden of Renfrew County EOWC 2024 Vice-Chair, Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County Fran Smith, Warden of Frontenac County Liz Danielsen, Warden of Haliburton County Bob Mullin, Warden of Hastings County Doug Elmslie, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes Steve Fournier, Warden of Lanark County Nancy Peckford, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville John Wise, Warden of the County of Lennox and Addington Brian Ostrander, Warden of Northumberland County Normand Riopel, (Interim) Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell Steve Ferguson, Mayor of Prince Edward County Jamie MacDonald, Warden of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government relations and Policy, EOWC Lauren Wilinson, Communications and Administrative Coordinator, EOWC Craig Kelley, Secretary-Treasurer. EOWC (CAO of Renfrew County) Sheridan Graham, CAO of Peterborough County Marcia Wallace, CAO of Prince Edward County Kevin Farrell, CAO of Frontenac County Gary Dyke, CAO of Haliburton County Connor Dorey, CAO of Hastings County Ron Taylor, CAO of the City of Kawartha Lakes Kurt Greaves, CAO of Lanark County Ray Callery, CAO of the Counties Leeds and Grenville Brenda Orchard, CAO of the County of Lennox and Addington Jennifer Moore, CAO of the County of Northumberland Stephane P. Parisien, CAO of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell Maureen Adams, CAO of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

Page-25 of 240Staveley-Watson / All Ministry of In… 2024 AMO Draft Materials Meredith

3. Contact person: Choose a contact person who is knowledgeable about the issue(s) and is available to respond to ministry inquiries within one business day. Provide an alternate contact if the person will be on vacation. *

Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy 4. Phone number: *

1-647-545-8324

5. Email address: *

info@eowc.org / meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org 6. Alternate Contact Email:

Lauren Wilkinson, Communications and Administrative Coordinator - info@eowc.org

7. Select your preferred date for the meeting: Note: Ministry staff will do their best to accommodate your preferred date, but may not be able to, depending on other commitments during the conference. * Sunday August 18, 2024 Monday August 19, 2024 Tuesday August 20, 2024 Wednesday August 21, 2024 No Preference

Page-26 of 240Staveley-Watson / All Ministry of In… 2024 AMO Draft Materials Meredith

Request Ministry and Issue Please Identify the ministries you would like to meet with and list your topics below: 8. List your discussion topics and any relevant background information (maximum five): Topic 1: Summary of the issue: The EOWC would like to present and discuss the Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper (released in June of 2024) and its key findings and requests. This paper calculates the infrastructure deficit facing Eastern Ontario’s municipalities; includes 20 years of quantitative research and data; and outlines multi sectoral impacts and opportunities of infrastructure investment.

9. Topic 1: Background/Context: Under our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, the EOWC’s top strategic priority is infrastructure, followed closely by housing and healthcare.

During the multi-ministry meeting, the EOWC would like to present the key takeaways from our paper and discuss how various ministries play a vital role in the issue of infrastructure across Eastern Ontario.

Ministry of Infrastructure:

As the lead ministry for infrastructure, the EOWC is looking to discuss how we can work together to shape upcoming infrastructure funding programs so that small urban and rural municipalities are not left behind.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:

Infrastructure is the backbone to unlocking housing across the spectrum. The EOWC’s communities built more housing per 100,000 population than the City of Toronto (a ratio of 39 : 18).

10. Key Ministers requested for topic 1(select all that applies). Hold down “CTLR” to select more Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade:

than one minister. Children, Community and Social Services Citizenship and Multiculturalism Colleges and Universities Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Education Energy Environment, Conservation and Parks Finance Francophone Affairs Health Indigenous Affairs Infrastructure Intergovernmental Affairs Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Legislative Affairs

The paper identifies the significant return on investment that infrastructure has on the local and regional economy. Sustained investment in infrastructure will ensure that Eastern Ontario’s growing contribution to the Ontario economy is maintained.

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks:

Environment related infrastructure represents the second highest capital and operational cost to rural and small urban municipalities in Eastern Ontario. The paper outlines the infrastructure deficit facing municipalities and the impact of the municipalities’ local investments.

Ministry of Transportation:

Roads and bridges represent the highest infrastructure need across Eastern Ontario. Rural and small urban municipalities are major exporters to Ontario and other jurisdictions across Canada and therefore depend on this infrastructure.

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport:

There is an upfront cost to growth creating a burden for smaller rural communities. Rural Eastern Ontario is growing in population and as we work to meet the housing need there are also community and recreation infrastructure needs to make communities healthy and vibrant.

Ministry of Energy:

Energy solutions that integrate a climate change lens and support innovation can optimize utility, value and cost savings over-time.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs:

Rural and small urban taxpayers cannot afford dramatic increases in infrastructure investments. While rural and small urban municipalities in Eastern Ontario continue to invest in our Asset Management Plans, we cannot do it alone.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development:

Jobs pay almost $7,000 less in rural and small urban Eastern Ontario than for Ontario as a whole. Long work commutes put extra stress on infrastructure. Over the last 20 years, a larger share of workers are commuting across the region for employment.

Despite this, EOWC communities engage in $61 billion in economic activity.

Ministry of Finance:

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Borrowing capacity to debt finance infrastructure is restricted for rural and small urban municipalities. The current debt burden for our region is nearly $650 million, while the Associated Annual Repayment Limit (ARL) as defined by the Ontario Government is $350 million. Therefore, our municipalities cannot finance infrastructure investments on our own.

Treasury Board Secretariat:

11. Would your association like to request a second topic? Yes No 12. Topic 2: Summary of the issue:

13. Topic 2: Background/Context:

14. Key Ministers requested for topic 2 (select all that applies): Select… Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Attorney General Children, Community and Social Services Citizenship and Multiculturalism Colleges and Universities Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Education Energy Environment, Conservation and Parks Finance Francophone Affairs Health Indigenous Affairs Infrastructure Intergovernmental Affairs Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Legislative Affairs Long-Term Care Mines

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15. Would your association like to request a third topic? Yes No 16. Topic 3: Summary of the issue:

17. Topic 3: Background/Context:

18. Key Ministers requested for topic 3 (select all that applies): Select… Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Attorney General Children, Community and Social Services Citizenship and Multiculturalism Colleges and Universities Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Education Energy Environment, Conservation and Parks Finance Francophone Affairs Health Indigenous Affairs Infrastructure Intergovernmental Affairs Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Legislative Affairs Long-Term Care Mines

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EOWC AMO 2024 Conference: Individual Ministry Delegation Submissions Delegation 1 Request Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Preferred Date Monday, August 19, 2024 Attendees Chair Peter Emon Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark *Note: two to three additional elected officials from the EOWC Board of Directors will be in-attendance. Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy Craig Kelley, Secretary-Treasurer, EOWC (CAO of Renfrew County) Sheridan Graham, CAO of Peterborough County Connor Dorey, CAO of Hastings County Marcia Wallace, CAO of Prince Edward County Ron Taylor, CAO of the City of Kawartha Lakes Issue 1 Summary The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) would like to make a regional housing pledge similar to what Strong Mayor communities have done. The EOWC has developed our first multi-year Strategic Plan, that identifies infrastructure and housing as our top priorities. The EOWC’s municipalities are strong performers on housing. The EOWC communities built more housing per 100,000 population than the City of Toronto (a ratio of 39 : 18). Background Out of the EOWC’s 103 municipalities, only the City of Kawartha Lakes was asked by the Ontario Government to commit to a housing pledge.

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The EOWC believes that tackling housing from a regional perspective is critical to our collective success in achieving housing across the spectrum and supporting Ontario’s 1.5 million homes by 2031. We are committed to working together as municipalities and with the Ontario Government to leverage opportunities in Eastern Ontario.

Delegation 2 Request Ministry of Long-Term Care Preferred date Tuesday, August 20 Attendees Chair Peter Emon Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark *Note: two to three additional elected officials from the EOWC Board of Directors will be in-attendance. Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy Lauren Wilkinson, Communications and Administrative Coordinator, EOWC Craig Kelley, Secretary-Treasurer, EOWC (CAO of Renfrew County) Sheridan Graham, CAO of Peterborough County Kurt Greaves, CAO of Lanark County Issue Summary The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) would like to discuss key findings and successes in the municipal long-term care sector across Eastern Ontario’s small urban and rural communities. Additionally, the EOWC would like to identify areas of continued collaboration and improvement related to debt capacity and staffing for long-term care homes. Background

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The EOWC has developed our first multi-year Strategic Plan (2024-2027), that identifies health care as one of our top priorities. The EOWC’s municipalities are strong performers on long-term care. The EOWC’s municipalities are meeting or exceeding the ‘four hours of care’ target, in which the EOWC was an early advocate. The EOWC would like to discuss our policy paper on long-term care across the region, including successes in working together with the Ontario Government, and areas for improvement in small urban and rural long-term care homes related to debt capacity and staffing.

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Resolution: EOWC Support of the AMO/OMA Joint Resolution Campaign on Physician Shortage Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS the state of health care in Ontario is in crisis, with 2.3 million Ontarians lacking access to a family doctor, emergency room closures across the province, patients being derostered and 40% of family doctors considering retirement over the next five years; and WHEREAS it has becoming increasingly challenging to attract and retain an adequate healthcare workforce throughout the health sector across Ontario; and WHERAS Ontario municipal governments play an integral role in the health care system through responsibilities in public health, long-term care, paramedicine, and other investments; and WHEREAS the percentage of family physicians practicing comprehensive family medicine has declined from 77 in 2008 to 65 percent in 2022; and WHEREAS per capita health-care spending in Ontario is the lowest of all provinces in Canada, and WHEREAS a robust workforce developed through a provincial, sector-wide health human resources strategy would significantly improve access to health services across the province. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) urge the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in the EOWC region and Ontario, to fund health care appropriately and ensure every Ontarian has access to physician care. CARRIED Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair [Date]

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Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 155 University Ave., Suite 800 Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7 Telephone: 416.971.9856 Toll-free in Ontario: 1.877.426.6527 Fax: 416.971.6191

Ontario Medical Association 150 Bloor St. West, Suite 900 Toronto, ON M5S 3C1 Canada TF: 1.800.268.7215 T: 416.599.2580 F: 416.533.9309 E: info@oma.org oma.org

July 4, 2024 [Mayor’s Name] [Mayor’s Address] [City, Province, Postal Code] Dear Mayor [Last Name], Communities across Ontario have been facing critical health-care challenges, including long waitlists for primary care, shortages of doctors and other health care workers; and emergency room closures. These cracks in Ontario’s health care system are impacting economic development, health, and well-being at the local level. In response, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) are working collaboratively to advocate for a better healthcare system for Ontario’s residents and communities. We have jointly developed the attached draft council resolution (Appendix A), urging the provincial government to recognize the physician shortage in your municipality and the rest of Ontario. By adopting this resolution, your municipality can play a crucial role in highlighting the urgent need for more healthcare resources and support. AMO is excited to welcome everyone to Ottawa for our annual conference from August 18-21, 2024. We are pleased to inform you that the OMA will be participating at this year’s conference . Along with sponsoring the Rural Caucus Lunch on August 20, the OMA has reserved meeting room at the Fairmont Château Laurier for both August 20 and 21 to meet directly with municipal leaders. During these meetings, we would like to hear what you are seeing on the ground and discuss opportunities to work closer with you. We believe that collaboration between Ontario’s doctors and all 444 municipalities is essential in addressing the health-care needs of your community. To set up a meeting with the OMA, please reach out to Tarun.Saroya@OMA.org (senior advisor for government relations and advocacy) to book a 15-30 minute time slot at your earliest convenience.

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We look forward to your positive response and to working together towards a healthier future for all Ontarians. Yours sincerely,

Kimberly Moran CEO, Ontario Medical Association

Colin Best President Association of Municipalities of Ontario Appendix A: WHEREAS the state of health care in Ontario is in crisis, with 2.3 million Ontarians lacking access to a family doctor, emergency room closures across the province, patients being derostered and 40% of family doctors considering retirement over the next five years; and WHEREAS it has becoming increasingly challenging to attract and retain an adequate healthcare workforce throughout the health sector across Ontario; and WHEREAS the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University says communities in northern Ontario are short more than 350 physicians, including more than 200 family doctors; and half of the physicians working in northern Ontario expected to retire in the next five years; and (Northern Ontario only) WHERAS Ontario municipal governments play an integral role in the health care system through responsibilities in public health, long-term care, paramedicine, and other investments. WHEREAS the percentage of family physicians practicing comprehensive family medicine has declined from 77 in 2008 to 65 percent in 2022; and WHEREAS per capita health-care spending in Ontario is the lowest of all provinces in Canada, and

2

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WHEREAS a robust workforce developed through a provincial, sector-wide health human resources strategy would significantly improve access to health services across the province; •

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of (the name of municipality) urge the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in (name of municipality) and Ontario, to fund health care appropriately and ensure every Ontarian has access to physician care.

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DRAFT Resolution: Calling for Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities

WHEREAS Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both new growth related infrastructure and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including local roads and bridges, clean water, wastewater, waste facilities, and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries; and WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has calculated that Municipal Governments across Canada are responsible for approximately 60 percent of public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life, but only receive 10 cents of every tax dollar; and WHEREAS the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) region’s capital infrastructure deficit has increased by 58 percent since 2011 and is now at $6 billion, and growing; and WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario Government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop and fully fund capital asset management plans by July 2025; and WHEREAS the EOWC has released a regional Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper showing key infrastructure data, opportunities and challenges in small rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario; and WHEREAS Eastern Ontario is a growing economy that can grow more with sustainable, innovative infrastructure partnership and investment from the Federal and Ontario Governments; and WHEREAS the infrastructure deficit for small rural municipalities cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue, restricted municipal borrowing capacity, and municipalities limited ability to generate revenue; and WHEREAS small rural taxpayers cannot afford dramatic increases to pay for the current and future infrastructure.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT municipality joins the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in calling on the Federal and Ontario Governments to immediately and sustainably partner with Municipal Governments by investing in both the new and ongoing maintenance and repairs of municipal infrastructure in Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities; and Page 1 of 2

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• Meredith Staveley-Watson

THAT the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately review data and work together to implement solutions based on the EOWC’s Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper in partnership with small rural municipalities; and FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs; The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance; The Honourable Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation; The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Local MP; Local MPP; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Association of Municipalities of Ontario; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Rural Ontario Municipal Association; Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

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Resolution: Refreshed 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper and Key Messages

Moved by: Warden Liz Danielson Seconded by: Warden Bob Mullin “That the EOWC approves the proposed key messages based on the 2024 EOWC Infrastructure Policy Paper updated by Pivotal Momentum; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to use these key messages as part of the EOWC’s advocacy and communications efforts moving forward (in part or in whole based on context), including at the AMO 2024 Conference; and Further that the EOWC’s Municipal Councils are encouraged to bring forward resolutions of support to advocate the Federal Government and Provincial Government for investment based on the EOWC’s 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper evidence once the paper is launched publicly.” CARRIED

Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair May 23, 2024

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• Meredith Staveley-Watson

www.eowc.org

Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Releases Infrastructure Policy Paper

June 5, 2024 – Eastern Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), under its strategic priority of infrastructure, has released the 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper covers key infrastructure data and recommendations from across the region. The information will support Eastern Ontario’s municipal policy and program advocacy, applications for government funding, and future partnerships around infrastructure that will help enable the region’s prosperity and housing for all. Additionally, the paper will shape the advocacy initiatives as part of the infrastructure priority in the EOWC’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. The EOWC recognizes that as the region continues to grow, the demand for essential municipal services also increases. However, maintaining and expanding infrastructure falls on a relatively small and widely dispersed population, creating a growing deficit and an impossible challenge for local municipalities and ratepayers. “Investing in infrastructure is not just about building roads and bridges; it’s about laying the foundation for economic growth and ensuring a high quality of life for all people across Eastern Ontario,” says EOWC Chair Peter Emon. “Our Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper provides a path forward on how strategic infrastructure partnerships and investment in rural and small urban communities can make a significant difference. We cannot do it alone and we look forward to finding solutions with our Ontario and Federal Government partners to address the growing infrastructure deficit to support our region’s growing communities.” As part of our research findings, we have identified five key messages:

1. Rural and small urban Eastern Ontario is a growing economy that can grow more with infrastructure investment.

2. Rural Eastern Ontario communities are major exporters to Ontario and other jurisdictions.

3. There is an upfront cost to growth, creating a burden for smaller rural communities.

4. Small, rural municipalities lack the tax base to sustain infrastructure investment and asset management.

5. Innovation is key to cost-effective infrastructure management.

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• Meredith Staveley-Watson

The EOWC requests that the Federal Government and the Ontario Government partner with municipalities to address the growing infrastructure deficit by:

1. Ensuring eligibility for programs and funding fits both rural and small urban circumstances.
2. Providing predictable, non-competitive, permanent infrastructure funding streams, as federal and provincial funding programs are often unpredictable and irregular in their timing.
3. Taking an integrated approach to infrastructure investments, considering the return on investment that is shared by communities and the Province, as investing in housing goes hand-in-hand with investing in institutional, commercial, or industrial (ICI) land uses.
4. Reevaluating debt financing options for small municipalities with limited resources to raise funds, ensuring that funds are directed towards infrastructure development rather than servicing debt interest. Specific considerations should include higher upfront/advance contributions as well as the contribution to GDP of “local” investments to provincial priorities.
5. Working with the provincial Financial Accountability Office to ensure that missing/incomplete data that would make their infrastructure reports more robust is provided, that the evolution in asset management plans is reflected in both municipal and FAO work, and that the FAO and the EOWC compare their methodologies for estimating infrastructure deficits/backlogs. About the EOWC The EOWC Inc. is a non-profit organization advocating for 103 small urban and rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario. The EOWC covers an area of 50,000 square kilometres, serving 800,000 residents. For more than 20 years, the EOWC has gained support and momentum by speaking with a united voice to champion regional municipal priorities and work with the government, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous leaders, the media, and the public. Notes: Read more about the EOWC’s Infrastructure Policy Paper, view our Key Takeaways and Recommendations, or download your copy at EOWC.org.

Media Contacts: Elected officials: Page 2 of 3

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• Meredith Staveley-Watson

Peter Emon, 2024 Chair, EOWC (Warden of Renfrew County) 613-401-7186 info@eowc.org Bonnie Clark, 2024 Vice-Chair, EOWC (Warden of Peterborough County) 705-927-4207 info@eowc.org Staff: Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy, EOWC 647-545-8324 info@eowc.org

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EOWC Speaking Points to Council re: Infrastructure Policy Paper

• • •

•

Under the strategic priority of infrastructure, the EOWC released a regional municipal infrastructure policy paper. The paper covers data from across the region. It shows the region is growing, but requires the infrastructure to support it. Our Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper provides a path forward on how strategic infrastructure partnerships and investment in rural and small urban communities can make a significant difference. We cannot do it alone and we look forward to finding solutions with our Ontario and Federal Government partners to address the growing infrastructure deficit to support our region’s growing communities We will be taking these key findings and recommendations to the AMO Conference this August when we meet with Provincial Ministers. o o

June 5th News Release: https://eowc.org/news/eowc-releases-infrastructurepolicy-paper/ Key Takeaways and Requests to Government: Infrastructure - EOWC (scroll to bottom of page)

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A Social and Economic Prosperity Review:

Let’s Build a Stronger Ontario

Municipalities provide the services that Ontarians rely on every day. The fiscal framework that enables municipalities to do this work is broken. Failing to fix this problem fails residents, small businesses, health and public safety partners, and major industries. AMO calls on Premier Ford to do what taxpayers expect – work together with municipal governments to get it done for Ontarians. Strong and sustainable municipalities mean safe, healthy, affordable and prosperous communities through investments in what Ontarians care about most, including:

Housing Addressing housing affordability and supporting growth Municipalities own and operate half a trillion dollars of public infrastructure. Over the next 10 years, they are planning for more than $250 billion of capital expenditures – with around $100 billion related to growth.

Healthcare Shortchanging municipalities shortchanges healthcare In 2022, municipalities across Ontario spent $3.3 billion on health despite only receiving $1.8 in provincial grants. When public health, long-term care, and ambulance funding don’t keep pace with need, we see the impacts in hospitals across the province.

Cost of Living Higher property taxes aren’t the answer Ontario has the second highest property taxes in Canada and they continued to rise in 2024 as municipalities dealt with inflation, growth, and issues like homelessness. Property taxpayers – including seniors on fixed incomes and struggling small businesses – simply cannot afford to pay for more.

Public Safety Maintaining public safety is a top priority Municipal resources fund police forces. The impacts of inadequate approaches to mental health, addictions and homelessness challenges put police resources under strain.

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Ontario municipalities need a strong provincial partner to help us meet the challenge. AMO continues to ask the provincial government to sit down with municipalities and work together on a social and economic prosperity review. This should include a joint review of revenues, costs and financial risks, as well as an analysis of Ontario’s infrastructure investment and service delivery needs.

The goal is to update the provincial-municipal fiscal relationship to support strong economic foundations, sustainable communities, and quality of life. While these conversations are already happening in the media and at dinner tables, AMO’s Memorandum of Understanding with the provincial government is the ideal framework for a formal collaboration where we can work together to achieve real results for Ontarians. The municipal fiscal sustainability challenge is urgent, province-wide, and central to Ontario’s social and economic prosperity.

Join Ontario’s municipalities in this important initiative. Working together, we can build a better Ontario.

Housing

Healthcare

Cost of Living

Public Safety

155 University Avenue Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7 416.971.9856 | policy@amo.on.ca | www.amo.on.ca

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July x, 2024 The Honourable Paul Calandra Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing College Park, 17th Floor 777 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J3 Minister.mah@ontario.ca The Honourable Kinga Surma Minister of Infrastructure 777 Bay Street 5th Floor, Room 5E200 Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Minister.MOI@ontario.ca The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy Minister of Finance Frost Building South, 7th Floor 7 Queen’s Park Crescent Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Y7 Minister.fin@ontario.ca Dear Ministers, As you know, municipalities provide the services that Ontarians rely on every day. The fiscal framework that enables municipalities to do this work is broken. Failing to fix this problem fails residents, small businesses, health and public safety partners, and major industries. Since last fall, AMO has called on your government to commit to working with municipalities on a Social and Economic Prosperity Review to put municipalities on solid fiscal footing for the benefit of Ontario’s competitiveness and quality of life. The review calls on the provincial government to sit down with municipalities and work together to conduct a joint review of revenues, costs and financial risks, as well as an analysis of Ontario’s infrastructure investment and service delivery needs. Since its launch, more than 150 municipalities and organizations have supported this work – and counting. Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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AMO and its members remain committed to this important initiative. The review is critical to Ontario’s ability to make progress on the issues people care about most, including housing, healthcare, cost of living and public safety. The municipal fiscal sustainability challenge is urgent, province-wide, and central to Ontario’s social and economic prosperity. Municipalities in the EOWC region face challenges around funding both new growth-related infrastructure and the ongoing maintenance of existing assets. With an infrastructure deficit of approximately $6 billion in rural and small urban Eastern Ontario and limited revenue-generating capacity, sustainable partnerships and investments from upper orders of government are essential for our region’s future prosperity and growth. This work has received support from the opposition, who recognize the importance and urgency of a conversation on the state of municipal finances and the need for a comprehensive review of provincial-municipal fiscal arrangements. All three opposition leaders have committed to a New Deal for municipalities if elected in the next election. Municipalities continue to call on Premier Ford to do what taxpayers expect – work together with municipal governments to get it done for Ontarians. We urge the Ontario Government to commit to this review at the upcoming AMO 2024 Conference. Working together, we can build a better Ontario. Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org

CC:

Association of Municipalities of Ontario, policy@amo.on.ca

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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Newsletter June 2024

The EOWC Releases Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper

Under its number one strategic priority of infrastructure, the EOWC has released the regional 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper covers key infrastructure data and recommendations from across the region. The information will support Eastern Ontario’s municipal policy and program advocacy, applications for government funding, and future partnerships around infrastructure that will help enable the region’s prosperity and housing for all. Additionally, the paper will shape the advocacy initiatives as part of the infrastructure priority in the EOWC’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Find the news release here.

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Key Takeaways

Download the Policy Paper

The EOWC Delivers Strategic Plan

The EOWC has released the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Through collaboration and consolidated feedback among representatives of member municipalities, the EOWC identifies three strategic priorities that will guide its decision-making and advocacy focus for the next three years: ·

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Infrastructure investment

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· ·

Housing for all Health care access

“Reliable infrastructure systems and facilities to foster growth, a range of housing options that are affordable and meet the needs of all people, and access to health care services are critically important to people living, raising families, and building businesses in Eastern Ontario,” says EOWC Chair Peter Emon. “This strategic plan is a blueprint for ensuring that we all work together to ensure those needs are met for residents of rural Eastern Ontario, now and into the future.” Read the news release here. Download the Full Plan

Recent Events

Eastern Ontario Housing Summit The EOWC was pleased to attend and be a key partner at the Eastern Ontario Housing Summit in partnership with the Ontario Home Builders' Association on May 28, 2024 in the City of Ottawa. With representation from over 35 municipalities, and attendance by MPs, MPPs, housing sector experts, and home builders from Eastern Ontario, the event was a true success representing cross-sector collaboration. The EOWC is proud of the ongoing partnership we have built with Eastern Ontario Home Builders. Special thanks to Eastern Regional Chairs Glenn Evans and Pierre Dufresne. Special thanks to all who attended our ‘Housing in Smaller Municipalities’ panel, which explored: The EOWC’s regional housing and infrastructure advocacy,

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presented by Chair Peter Emon and Manager Meredith StaveleyWatson; The County of Frontenac’s municipal communal services corporation, presented by CAO Kevin Farrell; The All-Together Housing non-profit-private-public partnerships to create socially inclusive and economically diverse communities, presented by All-Together President, Bob Cottrell, and Springdale Development President, Philip Spry.

The EOWC Attends Peterborough Day at Queen’s Park The EOWC attended Peterborough Day at Queen’s Park, led by our Vice-Chair, Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County, and hosted by MPP Dave Smith! We were pleased to be showcased alongside the Peterborough County and City of Peterborough as part of the region’s innovative businesses and organizations. We shared our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and had meaningful conversations around priorities with the many Ministers, MPPs and provincial staff in attendance.

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The EOWC Board of Directors Meeting at Base 31 The EOWC was pleased to host our Board of Directors meeting at Base 31 in Prince Edward County in May to discuss regional priorities. EOWC members enjoyed touring Base 31 as a world-renowned cultural tourism destination right here in Eastern Ontario. We were especially impressed with the museum display of the Lancaster bomber from the Second World War!

EOWC Advocacy

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities launches Municipal Growth Framework The FCM just launched a paper championing a new Municipal Growth Framework to help Canadian Municipalities address our most pressing national challenges – aging infrastructure, climate change, public safety, housing and homelessness. The EOWC fully supports the call for all levels of government to come together and negotiate a bold new Municipal Growth Framework. Learn more here. Visit our Website

EORN Update

What’s new with EORN? The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and Rogers Communications recently announced that Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in 21 communities across Eastern Ontario. Forty-two new cell towers and four additional upgrades to existing sites are completed, and now offer Rogers 5G mobile services to residents, businesses and visitors.

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Learn more and see if Rogers 5G mobile services are available in your area here.

Upcoming Events

AMO Annual Conference The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference will return to the City of Ottawa from August 18 – 21, 2024. This year’s conference includes a celebration of AMO’s 125th anniversary. The EOWC looks forward to meeting with provincial officials, networking with the 444 municipalities represented, and advocating for issues and solutions related to our strategic priorities.

Connect With Us on LinkedIn and X

About the EOWC The EOWC is a regional non-profit organization representing 13 upper and single-tier municipalities across Eastern Ontario. The EOWC supports and advocates on behalf of 103 municipalities and nearly 800,000 residents. The EOWC covers an area of approximately 50,000 square kilometers from Northumberland County to the Québec border. The EOWC has gained support and momentum by speaking with a united voice to champion regional municipal priorities and work with government, business leaders, the media, and the public. Visit the EOWC’s website at eowc.org.

Connect with the EOWC 2024 Chair, Warden of Renfrew County, Peter Emon 2024 Vice-Chair, Warden of Peterborough County, Bonnie Clark

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Manager of Government Relations and Policy, Meredith Staveley-Watson info@eowc.org

Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy | 235 Pinnacle Street | Belleville, ON K8N 3A9 CA Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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Resolution: EOWC 2024-2027 Strategic Plan

Moved by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark Seconded by: Warden Jamie MacDonald “That the EOWC approves and adopts the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, and its mission vision and value statements; and Further that the EOWC uses the Strategic Plan as a guide for the EOWC and staff in the creation and implementation of the advocacy, priorities, projects, and budget; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to bring back the strategic plan for yearly review and discussion during the annual strategic planning meeting(s) held in March and a fulsome review following the Municipal Elections in 2027; and Further that the EOWC shares a copy of this resolution and the Strategic Plan with the 103 municipalities once publicly launched." CARRIED

Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair May 23, 2024

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Resolution: EOLC Update and Board of Directors Election

Moved by: Warden Frances Smith Seconded by: Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark “Whereas a vacancy exists on the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC) Board of Directors due to Chair Roger Haley’s end of term; and Whereas the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is responsible for appointing two members to the EOLC Board of Directors; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the EOWC: The EOWC hereby acknowledges the vacancy on the EOLC Board of Directors. The EOWC will initiate the process to fill the vacancy on the EOLC Board of Directors by the Annual General Meeting on June 27, 2024, with a call for nominations from eligible candidates who demonstrate the requisite skills, experience, and commitment to serve on the EOLC Board of Directors and follow the prescribed EOWC procedures around nomination and selection. The Director shall be elected for a two (2) year term, with eligibility for re-election at the end of their term, for a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the EOLC Board of Directors." CARRIED

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Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair May 23, 2024

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Resolution: EORN Board of Directors Election

Moved by: Warden Brian Ostrander Seconded by: Warden Steve Fournier “Whereas, two vacancies exist on the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) Board of Directors; and Whereas, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is responsible for appointing five members to the EORN Board of Directors; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus: The EOWC hereby acknowledges the vacancies on the EORN Board of Directors. The EOWC will initiate the process to fill the vacancies on the EORN Board of Directors with a call for nominations from eligible candidates who demonstrate the requisite skills, experience, and commitment to serve on the EORN Board of Directors and follow the prescribed EOWC procedures around nomination and selection. The appointed members shall serve the remainder of the one-year term of outgoing members Pierre Leroux and Liz Danielsen, with the possibility of serving an additional five consecutive terms to a maximum of six one-year terms, that includes the partial term at the discretion of the EOWC; Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the EORN Board of Directors." CARRIED

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Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair May 23, 2024

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Resolution: Refreshed 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper and Key Messages

Moved by: Warden Liz Danielson Seconded by: Warden Bob Mullin “That the EOWC approves the proposed key messages based on the 2024 EOWC Infrastructure Policy Paper updated by Pivotal Momentum; and Further that the EOWC directs staff to use these key messages as part of the EOWC’s advocacy and communications efforts moving forward (in part or in whole based on context), including at the AMO 2024 Conference; and Further that the EOWC’s Municipal Councils are encouraged to bring forward resolutions of support to advocate the Federal Government and Provincial Government for investment based on the EOWC’s 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper evidence once the paper is launched publicly.” CARRIED

Signed by: Peter Emon, Chair May 23, 2024

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DRAFT Resolution: Calling for Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities

WHEREAS Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both new growth related infrastructure and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including local roads and bridges, clean water, wastewater, waste facilities, and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries; and WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has calculated that Municipal Governments across Canada are responsible for approximately 60 percent of public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life, but only receive 10 cents of every tax dollar; and WHEREAS the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) region’s capital infrastructure deficit has increased by 58 percent since 2011 and is now at $6 billion, and growing; and WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario Government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop and fully fund capital asset management plans by July 2025; and WHEREAS the EOWC has released a regional Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper showing key infrastructure data, opportunities and challenges in small rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario; and WHEREAS Eastern Ontario is a growing economy that can grow more with sustainable, innovative infrastructure partnership and investment from the Federal and Ontario Governments; and WHEREAS the infrastructure deficit for small rural municipalities cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue, restricted municipal borrowing capacity, and municipalities limited ability to generate revenue; and WHEREAS small rural taxpayers cannot afford dramatic increases to pay for the current and future infrastructure.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT municipality joins the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in calling on the Federal and Ontario Governments to immediately and sustainably partner with Municipal Governments by investing in both the new and ongoing maintenance and repairs of municipal infrastructure in Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities; and Page 1 of 2

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THAT the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately review data and work together to implement solutions based on the EOWC’s Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper in partnership with small rural municipalities; and FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs; The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance; The Honourable Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation; The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Local MP; Local MPP; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Association of Municipalities of Ontario; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Rural Ontario Municipal Association; Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Nolan Quinn 99 Wellesley St W Toronto, ON M7A 1W3 nolan.quinn@ontario.ca

Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Associate Minister Quinn, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Associate Minister of Forestry. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are certain that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. As an Eastern Ontario elected official, we look forward to working together and having you represent our region at cabinet meetings. Your partnership and willingness to collaborative to-date have been appreciated. As you are aware, the EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to collaborate with you to make significant progress on our shared interests. Under the EOWC’s top strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data and provides key recommendations to support our efforts. We encourage you to review it to understand better how we can work together to improve infrastructure to support our growing economy and ultimately help build a better Eastern Ontario. Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely, Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org Jamie MacDonald Warden United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry jamiemacdonald@northglengarry.ca

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Stan Cho Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming 6th Flr 438 University Ave Toronto, ON M7A 1N3 stan.cho@ontario.ca Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Minister Cho, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your work as Minister of Long-Term Care. Your incredible insights and experience have been invaluable to our efforts around our regional priority of health care access for our seniors. Eastern Ontario greatly benefitted from the compassion you brought to the sector after unprecedented times. We look forward to building a strong partnership and for what you have in store for Tourism, Culture and Gaming across Eastern Ontario’s small and rural communities. The EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this guiding principle, the EOWC has developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to strongly advocating for these priorities, and we are eager to work together with you to make significant progress and find solutions. Under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data analysis critical to help understand and solve the infrastructure challenges we face across the EOWC’s communities. We encourage you to review it to understand better how we can work together Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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to improve infrastructure to support our growing economy and ultimately help build a better Eastern Ontario. Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Rob Flack Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness 11th Flr 77 Grenville St Toronto, ON M7A 1B3 rob.flack@ontario.ca

Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Minister Flack, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your work as the Associate Minister of Housing and your partnership during your time in that role. Your collaborative efforts and meetings with the EOWC at Queen’s Park to discuss shared priorities around housing and infrastructure in rural and small urban communities have been invaluable. Eastern Ontario greatly benefitted from the passion you brought to the sector. We look forward to what you have in store for Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness for our province and are excited to continue to build a strong partnership and find common solutions. The EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to working together to move the needle forward on these priorities, and we are eager to work together with you and your cabinet colleagues to make significant progress. Additionally, under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights regional infrastructure data analysis critical to help understand and solve the Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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infrastructure challenges we face across the EOWC’s communities. We look forward to meeting with you at the upcoming AMO 2024 Conference in Ottawa to discuss it further. Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Stephen Lecce Minister of Energy and Electrification 10th Flr 77 Grenville St Toronto, ON M7A 2C1 MinisterEnergy@ontario.ca

Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Minister Lecce, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Energy and Electrification. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your work as Minister of Education. Eastern Ontario greatly benefitted from the dedication you brought to the sector during unprecedented times. We look forward to working together on challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector and municipalities in Eastern Ontario. The EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to collaborate with you to make significant progress. Under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data and provides key recommendations to support our advocacy efforts. We encourage you to review it to understand better how we can work together to improve infrastructure to support our growing economy and ultimately help build a better Eastern Ontario. We look forward to meeting with you at the AMO 2024 Conference to discuss the paper, its key findings, and next steps. Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario. Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Todd Smith Minister of Education 5th Flr 438 University Ave Toronto, ON M7A 2A5 minister.edu@ontario.ca

Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Minister Smith, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Education. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your work as Minister of Energy and Electrification. Your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm were instrumental in advancing the industry and promoting the benefits of clean and reliable energy, including advancing the Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, in which the EOWC provided a submission of support. Eastern Ontario greatly benefitted from the passion you brough to the sector. We look forward to what you have in store for Education for our province. As you are aware, the EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to strongly advocating for these priorities, and we are eager to collaborate with you and your cabinet colleagues to make significant progress. Under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data and provides key recommendations to support Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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our advocacy efforts. We encourage you to review it in terms of how it can support Eastern Ontario’s growth and economy. Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC: Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org Bob Mullin Warden County of Hastings mullinb@hastingscounty.com Steve Ferguson Mayor Prince Edward County sferguson@pecounty.on.ca

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam Associate Minister of Housing College Park 17th Flr 777 Bay St Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Minister.AMOH@ontario.ca Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Associate Minister Thanigasalam, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment of Associate Minister of Housing. Your dedication to public service has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your work as Associate Minister of Transportation. Your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm made Ontario’s Transportation more efficient and accessible. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and working with you on reaching the government’s ambitious plan to build more homes across Eastern Ontario. The EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to strongly advocating for these priorities, and we are eager to collaborate with you to make significant progress, specifically in delivering housing affordability and building housing faster. Under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data and provides key recommendations to support our advocacy efforts. We encourage you to review it to understand better how we can work together to improve infrastructure to support our growing economy and ultimately help build a better Eastern Ontario. Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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June 24, 2024 Hon. Lisa Thompson Minister of Rural Affairs Ontario Government Bldg 1 Stone Rd W Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2 minister.omafra@ontario.ca Re: Ministerial Appointment Congratulations and Continued Collaboration Dear Minister Thompson, On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Rural Affairs. Your dedication to public service and rural communities has been evident throughout your career, and we are confident that your leadership will drive significant positive change in this new role. We also want to express our gratitude for your continued partnership. Your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm have been invaluable in helping us meet the needs of communities across Eastern Ontario. We look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of rural and small urban communities. The EOWC’s goal is to ensure that our 103 small urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario are equipped to thrive. In line with this, we have developed our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three priorities: infrastructure investment, housing for all, and healthcare access. We are committed to collaborate with you to make significant progress on our shared goals. Under the EOWC’s strategic priority of infrastructure, we have released our 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper. This paper highlights critical regional infrastructure data and provides key recommendations to support the region’s economy and unlock further growth sustainably. We want to find ways to work together to improve infrastructure to ultimately help build a better Eastern Ontario, especially for rural and small communities and the people who live, work and travel in them Page 1 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Info@eowc.org CC:

Bonnie Clark Vice-Chair, 2024 Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus info@eowc.org Meredith Staveley-Watson Manager of Government Relations and Policy Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org

Page 2 of 2 EOWC | 235 Pinnacle St P.O. Box 4400 Belleville ON K8N 3A9

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You’re invited… The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and 2B Developments, Frontenac Municipal Services Corporation (FMSC), and the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) invite you to a special in-person announcement and information session regarding the communal services water and wastewater treatment initiative. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has awarded $1-million in funding for the cause. The purpose is to inform rural municipalities, developers, and elected officials about the benefits of communal services approaches and technologies, and to study the administrative pathways that make them possible. This will be an excellent opportunity to share information around the opportunities created for communities by the adoption of communal servicing. Please join us for this exciting event.

Please RSVP by July 12, 2024 Lisa Severson lseverson@eorn.ca

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From the Office of the Clerk The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727 clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca

May 9, 2024 Please be advised that during the regular Council meeting of May 7, 2024 the following resolution regarding seeking support for the Province and Federal Government to work together to help end the national housing affordability crisis.

RESOLUTION NO.

2024-224

DATE:

May 7, 2024

MOVED BY:

Councillor Branderhorst

SECONDED BY:

Councillor Roberts

WHEREAS there is an unprecedented national housing affordability crisis and substantial investments in new affordable social housing are required to address the overwhelming need; WHEREAS substantial investments in revitalizing existing affordable social housing are required to maintain existing housing stock so as not to make the national housing affordability crisis worse; WHEREAS social support expansions are required to prevent families choosing between housing and other basic necessities of life; WHEREAS the national housing affordability crisis is most acute in Ontario, and unlike most Provinces and Territories in Canada, 47 Service Managers and District Social Service Administration Boards (SM/DSSAB) are responsible for delivering social supports, including housing affordability supports in this Province; WHEREAS many of these 47 SM/DSSABs in Ontario are larger than many provinces and territories in other provinces in the country, but lack the revenue, policy tools and powers of the Provincial and Federal governments to end the housing affordability crisis on their own; WHEREAS on March 25, 2024 our local SM/DSSAB (Prince Edward Lennnox and Addington Social Services) was notified by the Province that the Federal Government would be cutting $355 million in funding intended to support affordable social housing across the province, due to a disagreement about how community housing units are counted as part of the National Housing Strategy Action Plan;

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From the Office of the Clerk The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727 clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca

WHEREAS any reductions in funding from the Federal and Provincial governments risks the termination of critically needed housing and social supports for some of the most vulnerable across Ontario; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the County of Prince Edward requests that the funding dispute between the Federal and Provincial governments be resolved to limit mounting harms to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable people; THAT the Federal and Provincial governments to continue to fund SMs/DSSABs in an amount equivalent to the monies under the CMHC-Ontario Bilateral agreement in the National Housing Strategy until a new funding agreement can be reached; THAT the Council of the County of Prince Edward advocate to the Federal and Provincial governments to establish a trilateral table including the SMs/DSSABs, to negotiate the final 3 year tranche of funding under the National Housing Strategy; THAT Council direct the Mayor to write to the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Housing urgently requesting confirmation that financial support will continue for vulnerable households across Ontario currently in receipt of the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit prior to May 31, 2024; and THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services, the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, and all Ontario Municipalities. Yours truly,

Catalina Blumenberg, CLERK cc: Mayor Steve Ferguson, Councillor Branderhorst, and Marcia Wallace, CAO

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Office Phone: (807) 853-3244 Clerk Phone: (807) 852-3978 Fax: (807) 852-3553 Email: rainyriver@tbaytel.net Website: www.rainyriver.ca

PO Box 488 201 Atwood Avenue Rainy River. ON POW 1L0

Claim of iRatny 33th“

RESOLUTION MOVED BY

\E> Cf 0.41% ,

SECONDED BY

DATE: May 13:2024 RESOLUTION: 24-013

“BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of The Corporation of the Town of Rainy River hereby supports the Municipality of Wawa Resolution #RC24087 regarding the creation of a Municipal Accessibility Fund.”

CARRIED i4 DEFEATED__________

ABSTAIN AYES NAYES D. ARMSTRONG D. EWALD J. HAGARTY B. HELGESON N. IVALL M. KREGER G. PROST

Wot/c MAYOR OR

::

Rf.
in the heart ofOntario‘s Sunset Country

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TING MAYOR

May 21st, 2024 Premier’s Office Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

ATTENTION:

Hon. Doug Ford

Dear Premier Ford, RE: Resolution – Request to the Province to Amend the Blue Box Regulation Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands passed the following resolution at their regular meeting held April 23rd, 2024:

Moved by Councillor Summers

Seconded by Councillor Kelso

THAT, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands supports the resolution of the Town of Coburg regarding the request to the Province to amend the blue box regulation; AND THAT, a copy of the support letter be sent to the Premier of Ontario, AMO and member municipalities. Resolved

Sincerely,

Amanda Noël, Clerk/Acting CAO Encls. c.c.

AMO All Ontario Municipalities

PO Box 340, 75 George Street, Lanark, ON, K0G 1K0 T: 613-259-2398 TF: 800-239-4695 F: 613-259-2291 W: lanarkhighlands.ca

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The Corporation of the County of Northumberland 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6

Northumberland County Council Resolution Northumberland County Council Resolution SENT VIA EMAIL

May 21, 2024

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria (Minister of Transportation) Hon. Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Hon. David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) Northumberland County’s Member Municipalities Re: Correspondence, Municipality of Brighton ‘Ride-Sharing Services’ At a meeting held on May 15, 2024 Northumberland County Council approved the following Council Resolution # 2024-05-15-341 adopting the below recommendation from the May 1, 2024 Economic Development, Tourism and Land Use Planning Committee meeting: Moved by: Councillor John Logel Seconded by: Councillor Robert Crate “That the Economic Development, Tourism, and Land Use Planning Committee, having considered the correspondence from the Municipality of Brighton regarding ‘RideSharing Services’, recommend that County Council support this correspondence, and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria (Minister of Transportation), the Honourable Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), the Honourable David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), and Northumberland County’s Member Municipalities.” Council Resolution # 2024-05-15-341

Carried

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at matherm@northumberland.ca or by telephone at 905-372-3329 ext. 2238.

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The Corporation of the County of Northumberland 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6 Sincerely, Maddison Mather

Manager of Legislative Services / Clerk Northumberland County

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Date:

February 20, 2024

Resolution COU-2024-063

Moved By:

Councillor Byron Faretis

Seconded By:

Councillor Jeff Wheeldon

Whereas, the Municipality of Brighton faces challenges related to limited access to transportation, and there exists a pressing need for a ride-sharing service to address transportation gaps within our community; And Whereas Rideshare services are increasingly relied upon by seniors, students, visitors and tourists, and residents looking for safe, affordable, convenient, and reliable ways to travel; And Whereas, the standardization and consistency of regulations across municipalities, particularly in Ontario, can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory framework; And Whereas, transferring the responsibility of ride-share regulations and licensing to the provincial level would contribute to a more streamlined and uniform governance structure, while eliminating associated red tape and unnecessary administrative costs; Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Municipality of Brighton Council hereby expresses its support for the migration of ride-share regulations and licensing from the municipal level to the provincial level; Be It Further Resolved that the Municipality of Brighton Council formally requests the Government of Ontario to initiate the transfer of responsibilities in the interest of creating a more coherent and standardized regulatory framework for ride-sharing services across the province; Be It Further Resolved that copies of this motion be distributed to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation; the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Honourable David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, the County of Northumberland; and all six neighbouring Northumberland lower-tier municipalities, and all Ontario municipalities.

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Carried

OR

Defeated

Mayor

Recorded Vote

For Clerks Use Only

Recorded vote called by: For

Against

Abstain

Absent

COI

Mayor Brian Ostrander Deputy Mayor Ron Anderson Councillor Byron Faretis Councillor Anne Butwell Councillor Emily Rowley Councillor Jeff Wheeldon Councillor Bobbi Wright Total

CD Carried

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X

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Defeated

Clerk’s Initials

Stirling-Marmara Road Box 40 Stirling, ON KOK 3E0 613-395-3380 Fax: 613-395-0864

2529

Phone:

May 22, 2024 Catalina Blumenberg County of Prince Edward 332 Picton Main Street Picton, ON KOK 2T0 Dear Ms. Blumenberg,

Re:

National

Housing

Affordability

Crisis

At their meeting held on May 21, 2024, Council of the Township passed the following resolution:

of Stirling-Rawdon

Moved by Councillor Graff by Councillor Seconded Stewart That the correspondence from the County of Prince Edward regarding the national housing affordability crisis be received, and further That Council of the Township of Stir/ing-Rawdon does support the County of Prince Edward’s request that the funding dispute between the Federal and Provincial governments be resolved to limit mounting harms to some of Ontario ’5 most vulnerable people; and That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, Hastings County Community and Human Services and the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus. Carried. Thank you for bringing this important

matter

to the attention

of Council.

Sincerely,

More Sydney Dodson Deputy—Clerk lsd cc:

Minister of Housing Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, Hastings County Community and Human Services, EOWC

Embracing the Future while Remembering our Past

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Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 23, 2024

Municipal leaders set to convene in Chatham-Kent for the return of the Ontario West Municipal Conference Southwestern Ontario – Hundreds of participants representing municipalities and organizations from across Western Ontario will attend the Western Ontario Municipal Conference on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the John D. Bradley Convention Center in ChathamKent, Ontario. Returning after a six-year hiatus, the annual Western Ontario Municipal Conference is an opportunity for municipal officials from across the region to work together on solutions to today’s challenges, to learn and to create new opportunities that benefit our communities. The Conference will feature a keynote presentation by Paul Wells, one of Canada’s leading political journalists. For 19 years, he was the lead political columnist at Maclean’s magazine, and he’s also written for the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and the National Post. Paul is a bestselling author and a regular political commentator on both the French- and Englishlanguage CBC networks. His new subscription newsletter is already one of the most widely read political newsletters in Canada. This year’s event features 30 speakers reflecting on the top issues of responsibility for our municipalities. Session topics will focus on the key priorities of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus including, housing, mental health & addictions, workforce, infrastructure, and economic development, including a fireside chat with Associate Minister of Housing the Honorable Rob Flack and Parliamentary Assistant for Municipal Affairs and Housing MPP Matthew Rae. “We are thrilled to be hosting the return of the Ontario West Municipal Conference and look forward to welcoming our colleagues from across Western Ontario to learn and collaborate together,” stated Mayor of Norfolk County Amy Martin, Chair of the 2024 Ontario West Conference Committee. Registration is now open with early bird rates available.

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About The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.5 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca. Media Contact Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus T: 519-495-6059 E: kate@wowc.ca

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May 30th, 2024 Premier’s Office Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 ATTENTION:

Hon. Doug Ford

Dear Premier Ford, Resolution – RE: Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities

Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands passed the following resolution at their regular meeting held May 14th, 2024:

Moved by Councillor Kelso

Seconded by Councillor Summers

THAT, Council supports the resolution from Hastings County regarding Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities; AND THAT, this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Shelby KrampNeuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario. Resolved Sincerely,

Amanda Noël, Clerk/Acting CAO

PO Box 340, 75 George Street, Lanark, ON, K0G 1K0 T: 613-259-2398 TF: 800-239-4695 F: 613-259-2291 W: lanarkhighlands.ca

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Encls. c.c.

The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington AMO ROMA FCM Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus All Municipalities in Ontario

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Office of the County Warden

Renfr0eW

Ontario . Canada

£� Our Hi.i:tlry, share Our Future!

9 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE PEMBROKE, ON, CANADA K8A6WS 613-735-7288 FAX:613-735-2081 www .countyofrenfrew.on .ca

May 29, 2024 The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A lAl Via email: Premier@ontario.ca RE: Funding of Rehabilitation Facility Serving the County of Renfrew Dear Premier Ford: The Council of the Corporation of the County of Renfrew, at their regular meeting on April 24, 2024, passed the following motion in support of the resolution passed by the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pembroke, attached, requesting the Province of Ontario to allocate funding specifically for the establishment of a mental health, addiction, and residential drug treatment rehabilitation facility serving the County of Renfrew. RESOLUTION NO. CS-CC-24-05-27 Moved by Chair Seconded by Committee THAT County Council support the resolution from the Corporation of the City of Pembroke Council to establish a mental health, drug addiction treatment and residential rehabilitation facility serving the County of Renfrew. The County of Renfrew, like many other regions, faces significant challenges related to mental health and addiction, with individuals and families grappling with the devastating impact of these conditions. Currently, no residential treatment facilities exist within the County of Renfrew requiring residents to leave the community to seek residential treatment. The lack of local service options acts as a barrier to treatment and requires individuals to be removed from their support systems to get the help they need, adversely affecting outcomes.

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The establishment of a treatment facility within the County of Renfrew would provide individuals and families struggling with mental health and additions the option to receive the medical treatment they require, while remaining in the community they are familiar with and call home. Sincerely,

c. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health MPP John Yakabuski , Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Nolan Quinn, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Renfrew County Municipalities Association of Municipalities of Ontario Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus City of Pembroke Attach.

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April 8, 2024 CITY OF PEMBROKE 1 Pembroke Street East Pembroke, Ontario K8A 3J5 Tel. 613-735-6821

Chief Administrative Officer & Human Resources Extension 1330 Fax: 613-735-3660 Finance Extension 1320 Fax: 613-735-3660 Fire Extension 1201 Fax: 613-732-7673 OPP Administration 613-732-3332 Economic Development Culture, & Tourism Extension 1303 Fax: 613-735-3660 Operations Extension 1409 Fax: 613-732-1421 Planning, Building & By-Law Enforcement Extension 1304 Fax: 613-735-3660 Purchasing Extension 1409 Fax: 613-732-1421 Parks & Recreation Extension 1501 Fax: 613-635-7709 general email:

pembroke@pembroke.ca

www.pembroke.ca

Honourable Doug Ford Via email: premier@ontario.ca Dear Premier Ford: Please be advised that Council of the Corporation of the City of Pembroke passed the following resolution at its meeting of April 2, 2024: Resolution #011 (April 2, 2024) Moved by Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah Seconded by Councillor Troy Purcell Whereas the well-being of our community members is of paramount importance, and addressing mental health and substance use disorder is crucial for the overall health and safety of all our residents; and Whereas the County of Renfrew, like many other regions, faces significant challenges related to mental health and addiction, with individuals and families grappling with the devastating impact of these conditions; and Whereas timely access to specialized treatment and residential rehabilitation services and transitional housing is essential for those struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders; and Whereas we need to address the urgent need for additional treatment beds, especially for adults requiring intensive supports, and to improve access to care in rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities; and Whereas the number of drug-related deaths in the County of Renfrew, as a whole, is on the rise underscoring the critical importance of accessible treatment options for those at risk of negative impacts including overdose and death; and Whereas the establishment of a mental health, drug addiction treatment and residential rehabilitation facility serving the County of Renfrew would provide the following benefits:

1. Local Accessibility: Residents would have access to specialized services without the burden of traveling long distances, ensuring timely intervention and continuity of care.
2. Holistic Approach: The facility could offer integrated care, addressing both mental health and substance use disorders concurrently, thereby improving outcomes for clients.
3. Community Support: By providing a safe and supportive environment, the facility would contribute to reducing stigma and fostering community understanding of mental health and addiction.
4. Collaboration with Existing Services: The facility could collaborate with existing community organizations, healthcare and social service Page 1 of 2

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CITY OF PEMBROKE 1 Pembroke Street East Pembroke, Ontario K8A 3J5 Tel. 613-735-6821

Chief Administrative Officer & Human Resources Extension 1330 Fax: 613-735-3660 Finance Extension 1320 Fax: 613-735-3660 Fire Extension 1201 Fax: 613-732-7673 OPP Administration 613-732-3332 Economic Development Culture, & Tourism Extension 1303 Fax: 613-735-3660 Operations Extension 1409 Fax: 613-732-1421 Planning, Building & By-Law Enforcement Extension 1304 Fax: 613-735-3660

providers, and law enforcement agencies to create a comprehensive network of support (i.e. County of Renfrew MESA program). Now Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Corporation of the City of Pembroke:

1. Urgently requests the Province of Ontario to allocate funding specifically for the establishment of a mental health, addiction, and residential drug treatment rehabilitation facility serving the County of Renfrew.
2. Advocates for a facility that offers evidence-based, trauma-informed care, addressing both addiction and concurrent mental health issues.
3. Commits to working collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities, all community stakeholders, and provincial authorities to ensure the successful implementation of this vital facility. Furthermore, the City of Pembroke Council encourages all residents to support this resolution and join the collective effort to enhance mental health and addiction services in our region. Be It Further Resolved that copies of this motion be distributed to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health; the Honourable John Yakabuski, Member of Provincial Parliament for RenfrewNipissingPembroke; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus; Eastern Ontario Mayor’s Caucus; Peter Emon, Wardon, for the County of Renfrew; and all neighbouring County of Renfrew lower-tier municipalities. Carried Sincerely,

David Unrau Chief Administrative Officer /nr

Purchasing Extension 1409 Fax: 613-732-1421 Parks & Recreation Extension 1501 Fax: 613-635-7709 general email:

pembroke@pembroke.ca

www.pembroke.ca

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immat cf Renffmé‘w . Ontario tummy

Office of the County Warden

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9 INTERNATIONAL DRIV E PEMBROKE,ON, CANAD A 6W5 K8A 613-735-7288 FAX: 613-735-2081 www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca

May 29, 2024

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A0A2 Via email: ‘ustin.trudeau

arl. c.ca

RE: International Student Cap Dear Prime Minister, On May 29, 2024, the Council of the Municipal Corporation of the County of Renfrew passed the following resolution requesting the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to reduce the number of international student permits to Canada in 2024 by 35 percent:

WHEREASthe Federal Government entering Canada to study; and,

recently moved to limit the number of international students

WHEREASstudies have demonstrated international students contribute over $22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy, which is greater than exports of auto parts, lumber or aircraft; and, WHEREAS studies have also shown immigrants are 40% more likely than Canadian-born individuals to own businesses in knowledge- or technology-based industries; and, WHEREAS 6 in 10 international students who were employed (with paid earnings) during their period of study or after graduation became landed immigrants within 10 years of receiving their first study permit, compared with less than 2 in 10 among those who did not work; and, WHEREAS it has been shown that nearly half of all international student post-secondary graduates who completed their studies between 2010 and 2016 remained in their province of study for the first year after graduation compared with 8 in 10 domestic students; and, —

WHEREASthe Algonquin College Pembroke Campus has over 240 international students currently studying on campus in programs including Practical Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Personal Support Worker, Computer Programming, Environmental Management and Assessment, Social Service Worker, and Outdoor Adventure Tourism to name a few key programs; and, WHEREASthese students can work anywhere from 20

and,

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40 hours per week within the community;

WHEREASa former pharmacist from India, studying in Algonquin Colleges Regulatory Affairs program, is now a part-time pharmacy assistant in Pembroke and many of the Pembroke Campus students are filling entry-level positions at local businesses, which is essential for our local economy because these positions have few applicants and high turnover rates, and local taxi companies have noted a significant amount of their business involves trips for international students from their residences to Algonquin College and to their place of employment; and, WHEREAS it has been shown international student graduates from Algonquin College have gone on to work locally in hospitals as nurses and IT professionals; and, WHEREASAlgonquin College has been a responsible manager of their foreign student education program; and,

WHEREASthe Federal Government’s decision to limit the number of students admitted to Canada for study purposes would have a significant negative impact on our local economy and community and on the rural Ontario economy; NOW THEREFOREthe Council of the County of Renfrew request that the Federal Government reconsider their decisions, reinstate the programs, reconsider the cap on the total hours permitted to work per week by returning to the pandemic level of 40 hours per week, and confer with the college and university representatives to ensure all students receive quality education experiences.

Sincerely,

Peter Emon

Warden C:

Incoming

MP Cheryl Gallant, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Mayor Gervais, City of Pembroke Association of Municipalities Ontario Rural Ontario Municipalities Association Federation of Canadian Municipalities Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

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For Release June 3, 2024 Improved Cell Service Now Available in 21 Eastern Ontario Communities (Peterborough, ON) – The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and Rogers Communications announced today that Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in 21 communities across Eastern Ontario. Forty-two new cell towers and four additional upgrades to existing sites are completed, and now offer Rogers 5G mobile services to residents, businesses and visitors. Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in parts of the following areas: City of Kawartha Lake

United Counties of Prescott and Russell

County of Frontenac

United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

County of Haliburton, County of Hastings County of Lanark County of Lennox and Addington County of Northumberland County of Peterborough County of Prince Edward County of Renfrew United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

City of Kingston Town of Gananoque Alderville First Nation Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Curve Lake First Nation Hiawatha First Nation Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Mohawks of Akwesasne

Today’s announcement is part of the EORN Cell Gap Project, a $300-million publicprivate partnership to improve and expand cellular services across rural Eastern Ontario. About half the project is co-funded by federal and provincial governments, as well as municipal members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and most of the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC). Rogers Communications, which was selected through a competitive bidding process, is providing the balance of the investment. Through this partnership, Rogers Communications is building approximately 332 new telecommunications cell towers consisting of newly built and co-located sites, which are sites shared with other providers. In addition, 312 existing sites will be upgraded – bringing vital infrastructure to more municipalities and Indigenous communities in Eastern Ontario. To date, 309 sites have already been upgraded and 100 new cell towers have been completed. Rogers Communications, in conjunction with our

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community partners, is working to accelerate tower construction, with ongoing plans for several new towers. The wireless expansion project is enhancing public safety and improving navigation capabilities along rural and remote roadways. “High-speed, reliable, and affordable cellular services are essential for Canadians to succeed today,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “We are proud to support this project, and I am incredibly excited about today’s milestone with even more Ontarians now able to access enhanced broadband services and all the benefits that come with it.” “Our government is continuing to make progress to deliver reliable cellular services for families, businesses and residents across eastern Ontario” said the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “By investing in EORN’s Cell Gap project and working closely with our municipal partners we are getting shovels in the ground faster to build stronger, safer, more connected and resilient communities for everyone.” “By working together, the federal, provincial and municipal governments along with our private sector partner, Rogers Communications, are bringing access to improved cell services to our residents, businesses and to those that travel in our region”, said EORN Interim Chair Jennifer Murphy. “Reliable cell service is critical for public safety and will aid economic development in our communities.” “Together with our government partners and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network, we are proud to bring 5G service to residents and businesses in more Eastern Ontario communities,” said Phil Hartling, President, Wireless, Rogers. “We are making longterm investments to keep Canadians connected, including now with Rogers 5G Home Internet, delivering home internet service over the largest and most reliable 5G network in Canada.”

About EORN Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) strives to fuel economic development and growth by working regionally to improve and leverage broadband access and cell connectivity. EORN is a non-profit organization created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC). Since 2010, it has helped bring hundreds of millions of dollars in federal, provincial and private sector investment to improve connectivity across the rural region. As part of its Cell Gap Project, EORN is working with Indigenous communities to ensure that new cell infrastructure is built with respect for Indigenous treaty rights and heritage. Based on input from several First Nations, EORN has committed to exceeding industry practice, and is conducting archaeological assessments on most new tower sites.

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From 2010 to 2014, EORN helped to enhance broadband access for nearly 90 per cent of eastern Ontario through a $175 million public-private partnership. The network was funded by federal, provincial, and municipal governments and private sector service providers. By the end of the project, 423,000 homes and businesses were able to access services of up to 10 Mbps download. It also spurred an additional $100 million of private sector investment in the region beyond initial commitments. About Rogers Communications Inc. Rogers is Canada’s leading wireless, cable and media company that provides connectivity and entertainment to Canadian consumers and businesses across the country. Rogers shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit: rogers.com or investors.rogers.com. -30Lisa Severson Eastern Ontario Regional Network Director of Communications 613-213-8520 lseverson@eorn.ca Rogers Communications, media@rci.rogers.com, 1-844-226-1338

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Pour diffusion le 3 juin 2024 Amélioration du service cellulaire maintenant offerte dans 21 collectivités de l’Est de l’Ontario (Peterborough, ON) – Le Réseau régional de l’Est de l’Ontario (RREO), le gouvernement du Canada, le gouvernement de l’Ontario et Rogers Communications ont annoncé aujourd’hui que les services mobiles 5G de Rogers sont désormais disponibles dans 21 collectivités dans l’Est de l’Ontario. Quarante-deux nouvelles tours cellulaires et quatre autres mises à niveau des sites existants sont achevées et offrent maintenant des services mobiles 5G de Rogers aux résidents, aux entreprises et aux visiteurs. Les services mobiles Rogers 5G sont maintenant disponibles dans certaines parties des régions suivantes : Ville de Kawartha Lakes

Comtés unis de Prescott et Russell

Comté de Frontenac

Comtés unis de Stormont, Dundas et Glengarry

Comté de Haliburton Comté de Hastings Comté de Lanark Comté de Lennox et Addington Comté de Northumberland Comté de Peterborough Comté de Prince Edward Comté de Renfrew Comtés unis de Leeds et Grenville

Ville de Kingston Ville de Gananoque Première Nation d’Alderville Algonquins de Pikwakanagan Première Nation de Curve Lake Première Nation de Hiawatha Mohawks de la baie de Quinte Mohawks d’Akwesasne

L’annonce d’aujourd’hui fait partie du projet de connectivité cellulaire du RREO, un partenariat public-privé de plus de 300 millions de dollars visant à améliorer et à étendre les services cellulaires dans les régions rurales de l’Est de l’Ontario. Environ la moitié du financement du projet provient des gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, ainsi que des membres municipaux de l’Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) et de la plupart de l’Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC). Rogers Communications, qui a été sélectionnée à l’issue d’un processus d’appel d’offres concurrentiel, fournit le reste de l’investissement. Grâce à ce partenariat, Rogers Communications construit environ 332 nouvelles tours cellulaires de télécommunications, soit des nouveaux sites et des co-emplacements, qui

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sont des sites partagés avec d’autres fournisseurs. De plus, 312 sites existants seront améliorés, ce qui apportera des infrastructures essentielles à un plus grand nombre de municipalités et de collectivités autochtones dans l’est de l’Ontario. À ce jour, 309 sites ont déjà été améliorés et 100 nouvelles tours cellulaires ont été construites. Rogers Communications, en collaboration avec ses partenaires communautaires, travaille à accélérer la construction de tours, avec des plans en cours pour plusieurs nouvelles tours. Le projet d’expansion des services sans fil améliore la sécurité publique et les capacités de navigation le long des routes rurales et éloignées. « Il est essentiel que les Canadiens aient accès à des services cellulaires à haute vitesse fiables et abordables pour pouvoir réussir aujourd’hui », a déclaré l’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre du Logement, de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités. « Nous sommes fiers de soutenir ce projet, et je suis très heureux qu’on franchisse aujourd’hui une étape importante qui permettra à un plus grand nombre d’Ontariens d’avoir accès à de meilleurs services à large bande et à tous les avantages qui en découlent ». « Notre gouvernement continue de faire des progrès pour fournir un service de téléphonie cellulaire fiable pour les familles, les entreprises et les résidents de l’Est de l’Ontario, explique l’honorable Kinga Surma, ministre de l’Infrastructure de l’Ontario. En investissant dans le projet d’élimination des zones sans couverture cellulaire d’EORN, et en collaborant de près avec nos partenaires des municipalités, nous accélérons le processus afin de bâtir des collectivités plus fortes, plus sécuritaires, plus résilientes et mieux connectées pour tous. » « En collaborant avec Rogers Communications, notre partenaire du secteur privé, les gouvernements fédéral, provinciaux et municipaux donnent à nos résidents, à nos entreprises et à ceux qui voyagent dans notre région un accès à des services cellulaires améliorés », a déclaré Jennifer Murphy, présidente intérimaire du RREO. « Un service cellulaire fiable est essentiel à la sécurité publique et favorisera le développement économique de nos collectivités. »

« En collaboration avec nos partenaires gouvernementaux et le Réseau régional de l’Est ontarien, c’est avec fierté que nous offrons le service 5G aux résidentes et résidents et aux entreprises d’un plus grand nombre de communautés de l’est de l’Ontario, a déclaré Phil Hartling, président, Sans-fil, Rogers. Nous effectuons des investissements à long terme pour que la population canadienne reste connectée, notamment en offrant maintenant le service Internet résidentiel 5G, propulsé par le réseau 5G le plus étendu et le plus fiable au pays. »

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À propos du RREO Le Réseau régional de l’Est de l’Ontario (RREO) s’efforce de stimuler le développement et la croissance économiques en travaillant à l’échelle régionale pour améliorer l’accès à large bande et la connectivité cellulaire et en tirer parti. Le RREO est un organisme à but non lucratif créé par l’Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC). Depuis 2010, il a permis d’injecter des centaines de millions de dollars dans des investissements fédéraux, provinciaux et du secteur privé pour améliorer la connectivité dans la région rurale. Dans le cadre de son projet de connectivité cellulaire, le RREO travaille avec les collectivités autochtones pour s’assurer que de nouvelles infrastructures cellulaires sont construites dans le respect des droits issus de traités et du patrimoine autochtone. En se fondant sur les commentaires de plusieurs Premières Nations, le RREO s’est engagé à dépasser les pratiques de l’industrie et effectue des évaluations des richesses archéologiques sur la plupart des nouveaux sites de tours. De 2010 à 2014, le RREO a contribué à améliorer l’accès à large bande pour près de 90 % de l’Est de l’Ontario grâce à un partenariat public-privé de 175 millions de dollars. Le réseau a été financé par les gouvernements fédéral, provinciaux et municipaux ainsi que par des fournisseurs du secteur privé. À la fin du projet, 423 000 foyers et entreprises avaient accès à des services pouvant atteindre 10 Mb/s en téléchargement. Il a également entraîné des investissements supplémentaires de 100 millions de dollars du secteur privé dans la région, au-delà des engagements initiaux. À propos de Rogers Communications inc. Rogers est le chef de file canadien des services sans fil, des services de câblodistribution et des services de médias qui offre des services de connectivité et de divertissement aux consommateurs canadiens et aux entreprises de partout au pays. Les actions de Rogers sont négociées à la Bourse de Toronto (TSX:RCI. A et RCI.B) et à la New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:RCI). Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le site rogers.com ou investors.rogers.com. -30Lisa Severson Réseau régional de l’Est de l’Ontario Directrice des communications 613-213-8520 lseverson@eorn.ca Rogers Communications, media@rci.rogers.com, 1-844-226-1338

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Ministry of Infrastructure

Ministère de l’Infrastructure

Office of the Minister

Bureau du ministre

5th Floor, 777 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1 Telephone: 416-327-4412

777, rue Bay, 5e étage Toronto (Ontario) M7A 2E1 Téléphone: 416-327-4412

June 4, 2024 Peter Emon Chair Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) info@eowc.org Dear Peter Emon: Thank you for your letter of support for the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) for small urban and rural municipalities. I appreciate the time you have taken to write. I recognize that there is an urgent need for infrastructure funding to support critical projects across the province. This is why Ontario more than quadrupled its investment from $200 million to $825 million over three years to expand HEWSF, allowing for additional funding for municipal water infrastructure projects. Additionally, another program the EOWC may consider is the new Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP). As part of the 2023 Fall Economic Statement and 2024 Ontario Budget, our government is increasing funding for housing-enabling municipal infrastructure projects by investing $1 billion in the new MHIP. In addition to the HEWSF, these programs will support core infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water infrastructure to enable housing for growing and developing communities. More information about the program, including eligibility and application intake details, will be announced later this year. I understand that 20 of the EOWC’s municipalities have submitted their applications to our HEWSF program. I would like to thank the municipalities for making these submissions to help protect our communities and enable more housing development across the province. As you know, the application deadline closed on April 19, 2024, and we have already started the evaluation process. Applications will be evaluated on application completeness, eligibility, project readiness, technical merit, and the ability to enable more housing. Our intention is to notify successful applicants early this summer. If you have other questions about the HEWSF program, you can contact the Ministry team at HEWS@ontario.ca. We understand the importance of investing in critical core infrastructure to support growth, as well as the importance of supporting all municipalities, especially small urban and rural municipalities.

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Once again, thank you for writing. I would like to express my gratitude for the EOWC support in addressing the province’s infrastructure needs. Please accept my best wishes. Sincerely,

The Honourable Kinga Surma Minister of Infrastructure

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Municipality of Central Huron P.O. Box 400, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 Telephone: 519-482-3997 Fax: 519-482-9183 Email: info@centralhuron.com www.centralhuron.com

June 5, 2024

Sent via Email: premier@ontario.ca

The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto, ON, M7A 1A1 Re: Letter of Support – Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities Dear Premier Ford, This letter is to confirm that the following resolution of support was adopted by the Council of the Municipality of Central Huron at their June 3, 2024 Regular Council Meeting: RES-173-2024 Moved by Deputy Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Robinson That a Letter of Support be sent in support of the Township of Lanark Highlands’ resolution to support Hastings County’s Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities Carried A copy of the Township of Lanark Highlands’ correspondence is attached for your reference. Yours truly,

Rachel Anstett Clerk Municipality of Central Huron 519-482-3997 ext. 1246 ranstett@centralhuron.com

Township of Goderich

Incoming

Page 111 of 240

Incorporated 2001 Township of Hullett

Town of Clinton

CC: Amanda Noël, Clerk/Acting CAO, Township of Lanark Highlands; lhclerk@lanarkhighlands.ca The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; pm@pm.gc.ca The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; minister-ministre@infc.gc.ca Michel Tremblay, Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; contactcentre@cmhc.ca The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; kinga.surma@pc.ola.org The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; paul.calandra@pc.ola.org The Association of Municipalities of Ontario; amo@amo.on.ca Rural Ontario Municipalities Association; roma@roma.on.ca Federation of Canadian Municipalities; resolutions@fcm.ca Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Chair, Glen McNeil; gmcneil@huroncounty.ca Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus; info@eowc.org MP for Huron-Bruce, Ben Lobb; ben.lobb@parl.gc.ca MPP for Huron-Bruce, Lisa Thompson; lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

Incoming

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May 30th, 2024 Premier’s Office Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 ATTENTION:

Hon. Doug Ford

Dear Premier Ford, Resolution – RE: Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities

Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands passed the following resolution at their regular meeting held May 14th, 2024:

Moved by Councillor Kelso

Seconded by Councillor Summers

THAT, Council supports the resolution from Hastings County regarding Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities; AND THAT, this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Shelby KrampNeuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario. Resolved Sincerely,

Amanda Noël, Clerk/Acting CAO

PO Box 340, 75 George Street, Lanark, ON, K0G 1K0 T: 613-259-2398 TF: 800-239-4695 F: 613-259-2291 W: lanarkhighlands.ca

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Encls. c.c.

The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington AMO ROMA FCM Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus All Municipalities in Ontario

2

Incoming

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Village of Merrickville Wolford 317 Brock Street W PO Box 340 Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 T: 613-269-4791 W: Merrickville-wolford.ca

June 18, 2024 Re: Resolution of Support – Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Village of MerrickvilleWolford, at its regular meeting on June 10th, 2024, passed the following motion pertaining to the resolution from the Township of Stirling-Rawdon regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities: Resolution #: R-22-10-06-24 Moved by: Councillor Ireland Seconded by: Councillor Maitland THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford receive for information the resolution from the Township of Stirling-Rawdon regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND FURTHER THAT Council does hereby support the Township of Stirling-Rawdon resolution and directs staff to send the resolution of support to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Housing Infrastructure and Communities of Canada, the Acting President and CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Premier, the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, AMO, ROMA, EOWC and the Township of Stirling-Rawdon. Carried. If you have any questions regarding the above resolution, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at clerk@merrickville-wolford.ca. Thank you.

Julia McCaugherty-Jansman Clerk

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_

El Lynne Paquette

Hull lgyatricia Paul Kelly

El Thomas Armstrong

Mnne

_

SECONDED BY: El Thomas Armstrong _ El Patricia Hull El P 111Kelly Paquette

Motion #2 10 Resolution #: Date: June 11, 2024

(their) Interest" interest(s), abstained Chair: E]from discussion question. to: and did not vote on this(enter Expected response: body) Patty *Diselosed Disclosure Pecuniary date) Quinnof his/her

WHEREAS, it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario; Recorded vote requested: El I declare this motion For Against El Carried Tom Armstrong El Lost / Defeated Patricia l-lull El Deferred to: (enter date)

WHEREAS, small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investmentsrequired over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding;

WHEREAS, the Ontario Government has committed $9.1 billion to Toronto alone to assist with operating de?cits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner Expressway;

WHEREAS, the only application approved through the recently awarded Housing Accelerator Fund to a small rural municipality was to Marathon Ontario, who received an allocation of $1.9 million dollars while over $1.369 billion going to Ontario’s large urban centres, resulting in a 0.2% investment in rural Ontario;

WHEREAS, small rural municipalities (of 10,000 people or less) are facing monumental infrastructure de?cits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue alone;

WHEREAS, in 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in the development of the annual budget;

WHEREAS, Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountablechallenges to fund both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries;

?

_

MOVED BY:

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LARDER LAKE 69 Fourth Avenue, Larder Lake, ON Phone: 705-643-2158 Fax: 705-643-2311

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El Thomas Armstrong El Patricia Hull El Paul Kelly El Lynne Paquette _

_

_

_

El Patricia Hull El Paul Kelly El Lynne Paquette

E] Thomas Armstrong

SECONDED BY:

Motion #2 11 Resolution #2 Date: June 11, 2024

I

“rvl‘l’?llaq

El

/

For

Against

I

this motion declare

K,

D/Carried

A

El Lost / Defeated El Deferred to: (enter date) (their) Interest" from on this(enter interest(s), abstained Chair: and did not vote —–question. discussion to: response: (enter *Disclosed Pecuniary Expected Referred Patty Disclosure body) date) Quinnof his/her / ‘5 f

Tom Armstrong Patricia Hull

Recorded vote requested:

FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario.

THAT both the Federal and Ontan’o Governments immediately commission a Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma; And

THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledging that there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities; And

THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future applications for funding; And

NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Larder Lake call on the Ontario and Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; And

_

__

_

_

MOVED BY:

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LARDER LAKE 69 Fourth Avenue, Larder Lake, ON Phone: 705-643—2158 Fax: 705-643-2311

-

TOWNSHIPOF -

North Dundas

Thursday June 13, 2024 The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON KlA 0A2 Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Re: Infrastructure Small Rural Municipalities Please be advised that at their last Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, June 61\ 2024, the Council for the Corporation of the Township of North Dundas supported the following resolution: Resolution #2024-138 Moved By: Councillor Uhrig Seconded By: Councillor Lennox THAT the Council of the Township of North Dundas supports resolution number C-2024-165 from the Township of Georgian Bay dated May 13, 2024 regarding the implementation of sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities and actions to address the impending debt dilemma facing small rural municipalities; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Eric Duncan, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry; MPP Nolan Quinn, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities of Ontario. Result: Carried. A copy of the resolution from the Township of Georgian Bay is attached. Yours Sincerely,

Nancy Johnston, MBA Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Encl. (2)

P.O. Box 489, 636 St. Lawrence St re et , Winchester, Ontario Tel. (613) 774-2105

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Fax (613) 77 4 - 5699

KOC 2K0

The Township of Georgian Bay

Resolutions

Council - 13 May 2024 Item 12.(a) Date: May 13, 2024

C-2024-165

Moved by Councillor Stephen Jarvis Seconded by Councillor Peter Cooper WHEREAS Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries ; WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in the development of the annual budget; WHEREAS small rural municipalities (of 10,000 people or less) are facing monumental infrastructure deficits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue alone; WHEREAS the only application approved through the recently awarded Housing Accelerator Fund to a small rural municipality was to Marathon Ontario, who received an allocation of $1.9 million dollars while over $1.369 billion going to Ontario’s large urban centres, resulting in a 0.2% investment in rural Ontario; WHEREAS the Ontario Government has committed $9.1 billion to Toronto alone to assist with operating deficits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner Expressway; WHEREAS small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investments required over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding; WHEREAS it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario; NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township o fGeorgian Bay call on the Ontario and Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future applications for funding; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledging that there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities;

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AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately commission a Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma; AND FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario. Carried

□ Defeated

□ Recorded Vote

□ Referred

□ Deferred

Recorded Vote: For

Against

Absent

Councillor Brian Bochek Councillor Peter Cooper Councillor Kristian Graziano Councillor Allan Hazelton Councillor Stephen Jarvis Councillor Steven Predko Mayor Peter Koetsier

Peter Koetsier, Mayor

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June 14, 2024 Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Honourable Sean Fraser House of Commons Ottawa ON K1A 0A6 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Honourable Paul Calandra 777 Bay Street, College Park 17th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Sent electronically As its regular meeting on June 13, 2024, Dufferin County Council passed the following resolution: THAT the report titled National Housing Strategy – Housing Advocacy, dated, May 23, 2024, from the Director of Community Services, be received; AND THAT Council supports a motion to ask for the resolution of the current conflict between the Federal Government and the Government of Ontario to support the timely continuation of funding: WHEREAS there is an unprecedented national housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS there is no for-profit supply-only trickle-down solution to ending the national housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS substantial investments in ensuring the use of housing for homes are required to help end the national housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS substantial investments in new affordable social housing are required to help end the national housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS substantial investments in revitalizing existing affordable social housing are required to help end the national housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS substantial investments in social support expansions are required to prevent families choosing between housing and other basic necessities of life to help end the national housing affordability crisis; 30 Centre Street, Orangeville, ON L9W 2X1 | 519.941.2816 | dufferincounty.ca

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WHEREAS the national housing affordability crisis is most acute in Ontario; WHEREAS unlike most Provinces and Territories in Canada, 47 Service Managers and District Social Service Administration Boards (SM/DSSAB) are responsible for delivering social supports, including housing affordability supports in Ontario; WHEREAS these 47 SM/DSSABs in Ontario lack the revenue and policy tools and powers of the Provincial and Federal governments to end the housing affordability crisis; and WHEREAS any reductions in funding from the Federal and Provincial governments risks the termination of critically needed housing and social supports for some of the most vulnerable across Ontario; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Warden advocate to the Federal and Provincial governments that the funding dispute must be resolved to limit mounting harms to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable families;
2. The Warden send urgent correspondence to the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Housing to confirm that financial support will continue for vulnerable households across Ontario currently in receipt of the CanadaOntario Housing Benefit and Ontario Housing Priorities Housing Initiative;
3. The Warden advocate to the Federal and Provincial governments to continue to fund Service Managers an amount equivalent to the monies under the CMHC-Ontario Bilateral agreement in the National Housing Strategy until a new funding agreement can be reached;
4. The Warden advocate to the Federal and Provincial governments to establish a trilateral table including the SMs/DSSABs, to negotiate the final 3-year tranche of funding under the National Housing Strategy;
5. AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this motion be sent to the to the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Housing, the Housing Services Corporation, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus, and the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus.

30 Centre Street, Orangeville, ON L9W 2X1 | 519.941.2816 | dufferincounty.ca

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Thank you,

Michelle Dunne Michelle Dunne Clerk CC

Housing Services Corporation Ontario Municipal Social Services Association WOWC EOWC AMO

30 Centre Street, Orangeville, ON L9W 2X1 | 519.941.2816 | dufferincounty.ca

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June 14, 2024

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June 18, 2024 EORN CEO, Jason St. Pierre 235 Pinnacle St. PO Bag 4400 Belleville, ON. K8N 3A9 Attn: EORN and 2B Developments (Rural Impact), Localizing Communal Servicing Project CMHC Housing Supply Challenge Re: Support for Communal Decentralized Water and Wastewater Solutions Dear Mr. St. Pierre, I am writing to you on behalf of the Eastern Region Group of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association to express our support for the utilization of communal decentralized water and wastewater solutions. As an organization we are committed to sustainable development and the well-being of the communities we are building and working in. We recognize the critical importance of adopting innovative approaches to addressing infrastructural challenges, including those associated with water and wastewater management and the unlocking of housing. We believe that by supporting communal decentralized water and wastewater solutions, densification and development in both rural and more urban areas can be facilitated, in turn supporting the Provincial and Federal Government’s housing strategies. Communal services can directly support building housing faster, more sustainably, and at a lower cost to smaller-urban and rural communities. Communal services can unlock the potential and ability for communities to build housing, attract residents and create jobs. In addition to promoting environmental sustainability, communal decentralized water and wastewater solutions can also offer economic advantages. By minimizing the need for extensive infrastructure investments and long-distance transportation of water and wastewater, these systems can result in cost savings for developers, the municipality, and its residents, assisting in unlocking plots of land too expensive to currently service. We are committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders and all levels of government to investigate, utilize, and ensure the successful implementation of innovative communal service solutions. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario, representing 4,000 member companies organized into 27 local associations across the province. The residential construction industry contributes over $80 billion to Ontario’s economy and employs more than 550,000 people. 20 Upjohn Rd., Suite 101, Toronto, ON, M3B 2V9 ohba.ca

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Our members have the vital responsibility to build the housing supply that current Ontario residents are counting on at all stages of their lives and be the voice of future home buyers who want to call our province home. Thank you for considering this important matter. Together, we can build more homes for the people of Eastern Ontario. Sincerely,

Dave Depencier President, Ontario Home Builders’ Association

c.c. EORN

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Tay Valley Township Council Meeting – June 18th, 2024 The Corporation of the Town of Smiths Falls Resolution Regarding Basic Income Guarantee. RESOLUTION #C-2024-06-18 MOVED BY: Rob Rainer SECONDED BY: Angela Pierman “WHEREAS, the Council of the Corporation of Tay Valley Township supports The Corporation of the Town of Smiths Falls’ Resolution #2024-04-074 regarding Basic Income Guarantee; WHEREAS, per the 2021 Census of Canada 515 out of 5925 residents of Tay Valley Township (9.1% of the total) lived in low income, based on the Low Income After Tax (LIM-AT) measure; WHEREAS, of the 515 Tay Valley Township citizens living in low income in 2021, 20 of them were children five years old or younger, 50 of them were children between the ages of 6 and 17, and 150 of them were seniors aged 65 or over; WHEREAS, the province of Ontario recognizes that the LIM-AT does not include the cost of housing, food, transportation, etc. and therefore set its low income workers tax credit for 2021 at $30,000 (up to $38,000) for an individual and $60,000 (up to $68,500) for a household, resulting in a total of 790 – 985 residents of Tay Valley Township or 13% -17% identified as being unable to meet their basic living requirements without some government assistance; WHEREAS, the province of Ontario has recognized the impacts of the costs of inflation (following Covid-19, continued supply chain disruptions due to wars and climate change, and record high profits by companies providing necessities such as food, fuel, and housing) and has increased the low income tax credit eligibility to $32,500 (up to $50,000) for an individual and $65,000 (up to $82,500) for a household, indicating the economic pressures an increasing number of Tay Valley residents experience; WHEREAS, the level of income is one of the most important social determinants of health, and relates to many other determinants including education and literacy, healthy behaviours, one’s social environment, and employment and work conditions; WHEREAS, low income is strongly correlated with a wide range of negative health outcomes, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and poor mental health, and with shorter life expectancies compared to higher income persons; 1.

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WHEREAS, the minimum wage in Ontario and the maximum amounts of financial support available through Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are deeply insufficient to meet the basic needs of full-time minimum wage workers, or of individuals or families drawing OW or ODSP support; WHEREAS, ongoing, widespread, and rapid changes in labour markets, including due to outsourcing, artificial intelligence, automation, and advance of the “gig” economy, are causing more and more people to be exposed to labour changes beyond their control, adding to their vulnerability to low income; WHEREAS, basic income is a means by which individuals, families, and whole communities can be less vulnerable to negative changes in health, relationship or family status, and labour markets, and better able to navigate transitions and challenging circumstances; WHEREAS, basic Income is money distributed to eligible people, regularly, reliably, and without work requirement, and which, absent other income, should meet basic human needs; WHEREAS, basic income exists in Canada in the form of longstanding programs like the Canada Child Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, programs with demonstrated positive impacts on basic income recipients, economies, and our greater society; WHEREAS, there is need to establish basic income security for working-age adults in Canada who, at present and in general, lack sufficient social protection against low income; WHEREAS, there is a growing body of evidence that basic income is not a disincentive on the pursuit or retention of employment and that, further, basic income is more likely to support such pursuit or retention given its stabilizing effect in the lives of people; WHEREAS, the gross cost of a basic income program is reduced to a net cost once various funding options are exercised and the fiscal benefits of basic income are realized (e.g., basic income as a local economic stimulus); WHEREAS, Canada, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, has the fiscal capacity to support a basic income guarantee for working-age adults;

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WHEREAS, the call for basic income in Canada has been and is being made by public health authorities, including the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit per its November 2023 report on food insecurity within the health region; WHEREAS, the call for basic income in Canada has been and is being made by many other interests, including a growing number of municipalities in Ontario and beyond, and by a range of provincial and federal parliamentarians; WHEREAS, a 2022 national public opinion poll suggests that six in 10 adults in Canada support the concept of basic income; AND WHEREAS, Tay Valley Township wishes to add its municipal voice to the call for a basic income guarantee for working-age adults in Canada. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. Tay Valley Township supports the concept of a basic income guarantee for working-age adults to help combat low income and economic vulnerability within our community;
2. Tay Valley Township calls upon the federal and the provincial and territorial governments to collaborate on the design, introduction, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a national basic income guarantee program for workingage adults;
3. The Council of Tay Valley Township directs the Reeve write (a) a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, copy to relevant federal ministers and to LanarkFrontenac-Kingston MP Scott Reid; and (b) a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford; copy to relevant provincial ministers and to Lanark Frontenac-Kingston MPP John Jordan, calling on these orders of government to collaborate on the design, introduction, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a national basic income guarantee program for working-age adults;
4. The Council of Tay Valley Township directs the Reeve to write a letter to each of the Reeve’s counterparts in the lower-tier municipalities in Lanark County, encouraging each municipality to also pass a resolution similar to that adopted by Tay Valley Township;
5. A copy of this resolution be shared with all other municipalities in Ontario, and with the presidents of the Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.” ADOPTED

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RESOLUTION NO. : 2024DATE: June 19 2024

CARRIED: DEFEATED: MOVED BY:

DIVISION LIST

FOR

AGAINST

Councillor Blower Councillor Hamer Councillor Constable

SECONDED BY.

Councillor Hamer

Councillor Ryman Councillor R man

Mayor Robinson THAT the Council for the Corporation of the Municipalityof McDougall hereby supports the attached resolution from Hastings County, with respect to sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime

Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Ministerof Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Ministerof Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Scott Aitchison; MPP Graydon Smith, AMO, ROMA, FCM, and Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

MAYOR

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Office of the Warden, C.A.O. & Clerk

^PPORTINGP£op^ ‘I

Hastings County TM /

235 Pinnacle St. Postal Bag 4400, Belleville ON K8N 3A9

4AfOOUft COMMU^lt6 Tel: (613) 966-1311 Fax: (613) 966-2574 www.hastin scount .com

April 17, 2024 Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Premier of Ontario

Legislative Building Queen’s Park

Toronto ON M7A1A1 Delivered via email

doug.fordco@pc.ola.org premier@ontario.ca RE: Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities Please be advised that Hastings County Council, at its meeting held on March 28, 2024,

passed the following resolution: WHEREASOntario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries;

WHEREASin 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in the development of the annual budget; WHEREAS small rural municipalities (of 10, 000 people or less) are facing monumental infrastructure deficits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue alone;

WHEREASthe only application approved through the recently awarded Housing Accelerator Fund to a small rural municipalitywas to Marathon Ontario, who received an allocation of $1. 9 million dollars while over $1 .369 billion going to Ontario’s large urban centres, resulting in a 0.2% investment in rural Ontario;

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WHEREAS the Ontario Government has committed $9. 1 billion to Toronto alone to

assist with operating deficits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner Expressway;

WHEREAS small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investments required over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding; WHEREAS it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have

neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario; NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Hastings County call on the Ontario and Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future

applications for funding; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledgingthat there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately commission a Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma; AND FINALLYTHAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,

Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP

Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-LennoxAddington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario.

If you have any questions regarding the above motion, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Sincerely,

£/lk^-&a^ Cathy Bradley

Director of Legislative Services

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The Corporation of the County of Northumberland 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6

Northumberland County Council Resolution Northumberland County Council Resolution SENT VIA EMAIL June 24, 2024 Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada) Hon. Sean Fraser (Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities) Hon. Phillip Lawrence (MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South) Hon. Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario) Hon. Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Hon. David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) Re: Correspondence, Municipality of Brighton ‘Federal Infrastructure Funding’

At a meeting held on June 19, 2024 Northumberland County Council approved Council Resolution # 2024-06-19-438 adopting the below recommendation from the June 3, 2024 Public Works Committee meeting: Moved by: Councillor John Logel Seconded by: Councillor Mandy Martin “That the Public Works Committee, having considered the correspondence from the Municipality of Brighton regarding ‘Federal Infrastructure Funding’, recommend that County Council support the correspondence and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to key stakeholders.” Council Resolution # 2024-06-19-438

Carried

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at matherm@northumberland.ca or by telephone at 905-372-3329 ext. 2238. Sincerely, Maddison Mather

Manager of Legislative Services / Clerk Northumberland County

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~ county

Northumberland Public Work Committee Resolution Committee Meeting Date: June 3, 2024 Agenda Item: 7.d Resolution Number: 2024-06-03- 3lo7 Moved by:

B. ~trare\er

Seconded by: cl.

~e\

Council Meeting date: June 19, 2024

“That the Public Works Committee, having considered the correspondence from the Municipality of Brighton regarding ‘Federal Infrastructure Funding’, recommend that County Council support the correspondence and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to key stakeholders.”

Defeated _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Committee Chair’s Signature Deferred

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• -Committee
• • • -Chair’s
• • -Signature

Resolution No. COU-2024-113 Moved by Councillor Jeff Wheeldon Seconded by Councillor Emily Rowley Whereas, Canada is experiencing record population growth, having welcomed 1.25 million new Canadians last year alone; And Whereas, According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) we need to build at least 3.5 million additional homes by 2030, and municipalities need to build or expand the infrastructure to accommodate this growth; And Whereas, FCM has estimated that the cost of the municipal infrastructure required support housing development is, on average, in the range of $107,000 per unit; And Whereas, According to Statistics Canada the cost of upgrade existing municipal infrastructure so that it is in a state of good repair is in the range of $170 billion; And Whereas, Non-residential construction price inflation has risen by 29% since the end of 2020 and municipalities are facing soaring costs for infrastructure project without a corresponding growth in revenue; And Whereas, Unlike federal and provincial revenue, municipal tax revenue has not increased in recent years along with inflation, economic growth or population growth; And Whereas, Municipalities are facing a gap in federal infrastructure funding as the 10year Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has come to an end, the Canada Community-Building Fund is being renegotiated and the Permanent Public Transit Fund is set to start in 2026; And Whereas, The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), which was formerly known as the federal Gas Tax Fund, provides more than $2billion in annual capital funding directly to municipalities through a predictable allocation mechanism, and municipalities of all sizes use the CCBF to deliver direct results for Canadians by building and renewing critical core public infrastructure, including water infrastructure, local roads, public transit and community, and cultural and recreational facilities; Now therefore be it resolved, That the federal government work with agreement signatories and municipalities to maintain the CCBF as a source of direct, predictable, long-term funding for local infrastructure priorities; Be it further resolved, That the federal government commit, in Budget 2024, to the next generation of infrastructure programs, including a new program for water and wastewater infrastructure and an increase to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund;

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And further, That the federal government convene provinces, territories and municipalities to negotiate a “Municipal Growth Framework” to modernize the way that municipalities are funded in order to enable Canada’s long-term growth. Carried

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The Corporation of the Township of Bonnechere Valley

49 Bonnechere Street East P.O. Box 100 Eganville, Ontario K0J 1T0

Phone (613) 628-3101 Fax (613) 628-1336 e-mail annetteg@eganville.com

June 24, 2024 Re: Resolution to Support Increase to Infrastructure Funding At its regular council meeting of June 5, 2024, the Council of the Township of Bonnechere Valley reviewed correspondence This letter is to advise that Council voted in support of this correspondence with the following resolution: 24.094 MOVED BY SECONDED BY

Tracey Sanderson Brent Patrick

WHEREAS Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries; and WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in the development of the annual budget; and WHEREAS small rural municipalities (of 10,000 people or less) are facing monumental infrastructure deficits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue alone; and WHEREAS the Ontario Government has committed $9.1 billion to Toronto alone to assist with operating deficits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner Expressway; and WHEREAS small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investments required over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding; and WHEREAS it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario; and NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bonnechere Valley call on the Ontario and Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future applications for funding;

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AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledging that there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately commission a Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma; AND FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Cheryl Gallant; MPP John Yakabuski, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario. Carried I trust you will find this satisfactory, but if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the undersigned. Yours truly, Annette Gilchrist, CMO., AOMC CAO/Clerk/Treasurer Township of Bonnechere Valley cc.

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June 26, 2024 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Premier Doug Ford Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

email: doug.ford@parl.gc.ca

Re:

EOWC 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper

Please be advised that at its meeting held the 25th day of June 2024 the Council of the Township of Selwyn passed the following resolution: Resolution No. 2024 – 118 – Municipal Officer’s and Staff Reports – Information/Housekeeping/Non-Controversial Councillor John Boyko – Councillor Mary Coulas – That the correspondence from the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus (EOWC) related to their 2024 Infrastructure Policy Paper be received for information; and that the Federal and Provincial governments be urged to support EOWC’s Infrastructure Policy Paper that include the following key recommendations to address the infrastructure deficit:

Ensure eligibility for programs and funding fits both rural and small urban circumstances Establish a predictable, non-competitive, permanent infrastructure funding stream Invest in infrastructure to support housing growth, including institutional, commercial or industrial land uses Re-evaluate debt financing options for small municipalities to focus on infrastructure development Collaborate with the Financial Accountability Office to provide complete data for infrastructure reports; and

That a copy of this resolution be provided to MP Ferreri, MPP Smith, EOWC and the County of Peterborough. Carried.

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I trust you find this in order. Please do not hesitate to contact the Selwyn Township Office if you have any questions. Sincerely, Megin Hunter Megin Hunter Office Assistant / Reception Cc:

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MPP Dave Smith – dave.smith@parl.gc.ca MP Michelle Ferreri – michelle.ferreri@parl.gc.ca Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus (EOWC) – info@eowc.org Peterborough County – info@ptbocounty.ca

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June 28, 2024 The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister: Sent via Email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Re:

Motion #24-115 – Lanark Basic Income Network - Request for Support of National Basic Income

Please be advised that the Council of the Town of Perth, at their regular meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, passed the following Motion: Motion #24-115 - Dr. Tom Todd & Celina Tuttle - Lanark Basic Income Network Request for Support of National Basic Income Be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Perth hereby: (i) receive for information the Delegation from Dr. Tom Todd & Celina Tuttle, Lanark Basic Income Network, as presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 4, 2024; (ii) adds its municipal voice to the call for a basic income guarantee for workingage adults in Canada which would help to combat low income and economic vulnerability within our community; (iii) calls upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to collaborate on the design, introduction, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a national Basic Income Guarantee Program for “working age” adults; and, (iv) directs that Council’s support and request for action be forwarded to the Prime Minister, the Premier of Ontario, the local MP and MPP, applicable federal and provincial Ministers, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal

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Association (ROMA), the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and Lanark County municipalities.

Sincerely,

Susan Beckel Director of Legislative Services/Clerk Att. 1 cc:

The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, premier@ontario.ca Scott Reid, MP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, scott.reid@parl.gc.ca John Jordan, MPP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, John.Jordan@pc.pla.org The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, chrystia.freeland@fin.gc.ca The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Peter.Bethlenfalvy@pc.ola.org Federation of Canadian Municipalities, info@fcm.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario, amo@amo.on.ca Rural Ontario Municipal Association, roma@roma.on.ca Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, info@eowc.org Municipalities of County of Lanark:  Clerk – County of Lanark, jralph@lanarkcounty.ca  Clerk – Tay Valley Township, cao@tayvalleytwp.ca  Clerk – Township of Beckwith, cmcgregor@twp.beckwith.on.ca  Clerk – Town of Carleton Place, sblair@carletonplace.ca  Clerk – Township of Drummond North Elmsley, cryder@dnetownship.ca  Clerk – Township of Lanark Highlands, lhclerk@lanarkhighlands.ca  Clerk – Municipality of Mississippi Mills, jharfield@mississippimills.ca  Clerk – Township of Montague, clerkadministrator@montague.on.ca  Clerk – Town of Smiths Falls, kcostello@smithsfalls.ca

The Corporation of the Town of Perth

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| 80 Gore Street East, Perth, ON K7H 1H9

| 613-267-3311

| PERTH.ca

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Delegation to the June 4, 2024 Town of Perth Committee of the Whole Meeting Celina Tuttle, MSW and Dr. Tom Todd info@lanarkbasicincome.ca www.lanarkbasicincome.ca 1

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Conceptual depiction of income-tested basic income, phasing out as other income is factored

2

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Canada already has basic income, for e.g., Canada Child Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement

A basic income for working-age adults would help to modernize and complete Canada’s income security system.

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First big benefit of basic income Improve financial stability and flexibility, because almost everyone is vulnerable Inflation Unemployment Low-wage employment Precarious employment Entrepreneurial failure Disability Divorce Injury Physical illness Mental illness Addiction

4

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Second big benefit of basic income Improve individual and family health – physical and mental – thereby improving public/community health

5

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In general, and compared to people in higher income households, people in lower income households:

1. Self-report fair to poor physical health
2. Self-report fair to poor mental health
3. Self-report weak sense of community belonging
4. Do not have a regular medical doctor
5. Do not have dental insurance
6. Are much more likely to experience food insecurity
7. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder
8. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of asthma
9. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of diabetes
10. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of high blood pressure
11. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of heart disease
12. Are more likely to have a diagnosis of a mood disorder
13. Are more likely to smoke daily or occasionally
14. Are more likely to experience physical inactivity Source: Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Strategic Plan 2019—2022 6

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Third big benefit of basic income Stimulate local economies

People have more money to spend; demand for goods and services increases

Existing businesses more likely to prosper; new ventures more likely to open

Available jobs more likely to increase

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For every $1.00 disbursed through the Canada Child Benefit

$1.97 is contributed to the GDP

Source: Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (2019) Economic Contribution of the Canada Child Benefit: A Basic Income Guarantee for Canadian Families with Children

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Support for basic income 1.

Existing, long-established basic income programs (e.g., Canada Child Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement)

60% public support for income-tested basic income, per a 2022 national poll *

House Bill C-223 and Senate Bill S-233 before Parliament, both for a “national framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act”

Basic income programs in Newfoundland & Labrador, and in Québec

Very credible proposal (2023) for a basic income for working-age adults in PEI, where there is all-party support for basic income

Many municipal resolutions in support of basic income, including in Ontario from Smiths Falls, Kingston, Belleville, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, North Bay, Prince Edward County, and more

• 2022 national poll results. Source: https://narrativeresearch.ca/while-the-majorityof-canadians-would-support-a-guaranteed-basic-income-for-low-income-individualsopinions-are-mixed-towards-the-idea-of-a-universal-basic-income-for-all/

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Our request of Perth Town Council To consider a resolution, similar to that passed by the Town of Smiths Falls in April, which would, in major parts: 1)

Express the Town of Perth’s support for the concept of a basic income guarantee for working-age adults

Have the Town of Perth call upon the federal, provincial and territorial governments to collaborate on the design, introduction, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a national basic income guarantee program for working-age adults

10

The Corporation of the County of Northumberland 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6

Northumberland County Council Resolution Northumberland County Council Resolution SENT VIA EMAIL

June 21, 2024

Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada) Hon. Sean Fraser (Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities) Hon. Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario) Hon. Kinga Surma (Ontario Minister of Infrastructure) Hon. Paul Calandra (Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Hon. David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation All Ontario Municipalities Re: Correspondence, Hastings County ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities’

At a meeting held on June 19, 2024 Northumberland County Council approved the following Council Resolution # 2024-06-19-438 adopting the below recommendation from the June 3, 2024 Public Works Committee meeting: Moved by: Councillor John Logel Seconded by: Councillor Mandy Martin “That the Public Works Committee, having considered the correspondence from Hastings County regarding ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities’, recommend that County Council support the correspondence and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to key stakeholders.” Council Resolution # 2024-06-19-438

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Carried

The Corporation of the County of Northumberland 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at matherm@northumberland.ca or by telephone at 905-372-3329 ext. 2238. Sincerely, Maddison Mather

Manager of Legislative Services / Clerk Northumberland County

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~

Northumberland

county

Public Work Committee Resolution Committee Meeting Date: June 3, 2024 Agenda Item: 7.b Resolution Number: 2024-06-03- c,~S Moved by:

,E>. ~-m::~

Seconded by: c.) . ~
Council Meeting date: June 19, 2024

“That the Public Works Committee, having considered the correspondence from Hastings County regarding ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities’, recommend that County Council support the correspondence and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to key stakeholders.”

Defeated _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Committee Chair’s Signature Deferred _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Committee Chair’s Signature

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Office of the Warden, C.A.O. & Clerk Hastings County 235 Pinnacle St. Postal Bag 4400, Belleville ON K8N 3A9 Tel: (613) 966-1311 Fax: (613) 966-2574 www.hastingscounty.com April 17, 2024 Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto ON M7A 1A1 Delivered via email doug.fordco@pc.ola.org premier@ontario.ca RE: Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities Please be advised that Hastings County Council, at its meeting held on March 28, 2024, passed the following resolution: WHEREAS Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries; WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in the development of the annual budget; WHEREAS small rural municipalities (of 10,000 people or less) are facing monumental infrastructure deficits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue alone; WHEREAS the only application approved through the recently awarded Housing Accelerator Fund to a small rural municipality was to Marathon Ontario, who received an allocation of $1.9 million dollars while over $1.369 billion going to Ontario’s large urban centres, resulting in a 0.2% investment in rural Ontario;

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WHEREAS the Ontario Government has committed $9.1 billion to Toronto alone to assist with operating deficits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner Expressway; WHEREAS small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investments required over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding; WHEREAS it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario; NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Hastings County call on the Ontario and Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities; AND THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future applications for funding; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledging that there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities; AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately commission a Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma; AND FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities in Ontario. If you have any questions regarding the above motion, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Sincerely,

Cathy Bradley Director of Legislative Services

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County of Frontenac 2069 Battersea Rd. Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0 T: 613.548.9400 F: 613.548.8460

Sent Via Email

2 July 2024

Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada) Hon. Sean Fraser (Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities) Hon. Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario) Hon. Kinga Surma (Ontario Minister of Infrastructure) Hon. Paul Calandra (Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Scott Reid, MP (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston) Mark Gerretsen, MP (Kingston and the Islands) John Jordan, MPP (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston) Ted Hsu, MPP (Kingston and the Islands) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation All Ontario Municipalities Re:

Frontenac County Council Meeting – June 19, 2024 – Support for the Implementation of Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities

Please be advised that the Council of the County of Frontenac, at its regular meeting held June 19, 2024, passed the following resolution, being Motions, Notice of Which has Been Given, clause a): Motions, Notice of Which has Been Given a)

Support for the Implementation of Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities

Motion #: 114-24

Moved By: Seconded By:

Deputy Warden Vandewal Councillor Leonard

Be It Resolved That the correspondence from Hastings County and the Township of Stirling-Rawdon calling on the Provincial and Federal Governments to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural municipalities be received;

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County of Frontenac Support for the Implementation of Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small Rural Municipalities Page 2 of 2

And Further That Council of the County of Frontenac supports the establishment of an intergovernmental working group which would include a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma facing small rural municipalities; And Further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing Infrastructure and Communities, Romy Bowers, President and CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Scott Reid, MP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, Mark Gerretsen, MP, Kingston and the Islands, John Jordan, MPP, Lanark-FrontenacKingston, Ted Hsu, MPP, Kingston and the Islands, AMO, ROMA, EOWC and all municipalities in Ontario. Carried Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 613-548-9400, ext. 302 or via email at jamini@frontenaccounty.ca. Yours Truly,

Jannette Amini, Dipl.M.M., M.A. CMO Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk Copy:

File

2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0 T: 613.548.9400 | F: 613.548.8460 | frontenaccounty.ca

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Village of Merrickville Wolford 317 Brock Street W PO Box 340 Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 T: 613-269-4791 W: Merrickville-wolford.ca

July 10, 2024 Re: Request for Resolution of Support – Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Village of MerrickvilleWolford, at its regular meeting on July 8th, 2024, passed the following motion pertaining to the Request for Resolution of Support – Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities: Resolution #: R-21-08-07-24 Moved by: Deputy Mayor Barr Seconded by: Councillor Ireland THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford receive for information the resolution forwarded by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) to support in advocating for infrastructure investment across small and rural Eastern Ontario municipalities; AND FURTHER THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Village of MerrickvileWolford joins the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in calling on the Federal and Ontario Governments to immediately and sustainably partner with Municipal Governments by investing in both the new and ongoing maintenance and repairs of municipal infrastructure in Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities; and THAT the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately review data and work together to implement solutions based on the EOWC’s Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper in partnership with small rural municipalities; and AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to the levels of Government and Associations as identified in the resolution of support. Carried.

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If you have any questions regarding the above resolution, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at clerk@merrickville-wolford.ca. Thank you.

Julia McCaugherty-Jansman Clerk

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Calling for Investment in Municipal Infrastructure for Eastern Ontario’s Small and Rural Communities

WHEREAS Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund both new growth related infrastructure and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including local roads and bridges, clean water, wastewater, waste facilities, and municipally owned buildings including recreational facilities and libraries; and WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has calculated that Municipal Governments across Canada are responsible for approximately 60 percent of public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life, but only receive 10 cents of every tax dollar; and WHEREAS the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) region’s capital infrastructure deficit has increased by 58 percent since 2011 and is now at $6 billion, and growing; and WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario Government mandated all Ontario municipalities to develop and fully fund capital asset management plans by July 2025; and WHEREAS the EOWC has released a regional Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper showing key infrastructure data, opportunities and challenges in small rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario; and WHEREAS Eastern Ontario is a growing economy that can grow more with sustainable, innovative infrastructure partnership and investment from the Federal and Ontario Governments; and WHEREAS the infrastructure deficit for small rural municipalities cannot be adequately addressed through property tax revenue, restricted municipal borrowing capacity, and municipalities limited ability to generate revenue; and WHEREAS small rural taxpayers cannot afford dramatic increases to pay for the current and future infrastructure.

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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford joins the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in calling on the Federal and Ontario Governments to immediately and sustainably partner with Municipal Governments by investing in both the new and ongoing maintenance and repairs of municipal infrastructure in Eastern Ontario’s small rural municipalities; and THAT the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately review data and work together to implement solutions based on the EOWC’s Municipal Infrastructure Policy Paper in partnership with small rural municipalities; and FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs; The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance; The Honourable Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation; The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; MP Michael Barrett; MPP Steve Clark; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Association of Municipalities of Ontario; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Rural Ontario Municipal Association; Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

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Time to Grow A Regional Economic Plan for Northwestern Ontario 2025-2035

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Time to Grow

Table of Contents Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Context - Northwestern Ontario ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 A Collaborative Plan …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 A Plan to Grow Private Investment………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 Focus on SMART Goals……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Where More Study is Needed………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Goals Overview …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Focus for Action 1 – Access to Skilled Labour ………………………………………………………………………………… 16 Improving Labour Market Outcomes for Indigenous Peoples ………………………………………………………. 17 Growing the Labour Pool through Immigration & Migration ……………………………………………………….. 20 A disconnect between labour demand and labour supply. ………………………………………………………….. 25 Focus for Action 2 – Quality of Life ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 28 Increasing Access to Quality Services ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 28 Increasing Community Livability & Civic Pride ……………………………………………………………………………. 33 Staying Connected in an Online World ……………………………………………………………………………………… 35 Focus for Action 3 – Infrastructure & Public Services ……………………………………………………………………… 40 Reliable and Affordable Energy ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 40 Accessible, Affordable Mass Transit Between Centers………………………………………………………………… 42 More Welcoming Roads Means More Welcoming Communities …………………………………………………. 46 Focus For Action 4 – Access to Market …………………………………………………………………………………………. 49 Improving Links to the far North………………………………………………………………………………………………. 49 Improving Road Safety and Capacity ………………………………………………………………………………………… 52 Reverse The Decline of Regional Air Services …………………………………………………………………………….. 54 Focus for Action 5 - Housing ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58 Seniors………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58 Affordable Housing for At Risk Populations……………………………………………………………………………….. 59 Housing that is Available and Affordable for Renters & Buyers ……………………………………………………. 61 A Living Plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 Reporting on Progress…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 65 Reviewing the Plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 Resourcing the Plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 66 1

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Time to Grow

Appendix A- About Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association ………………………………………………… 67 Appendix B- Northwestern Ontario Communities………………………………………………………………………. 68 Appendix D - The Northwestern Ontario Economic Plan Working Group ………………………………………. 73

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Time to Grow

Introduction Municipalities need people. People need jobs. Those are the two fundamental concepts underlying the goals and actions outlined in this Regional Economic Plan for Northwestern Ontario. This plan is intended to focus the efforts of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and its partners to grow the size and number of commercial enterprises operating in Northwestern Ontario over the next decade. NOMA’s partners include the province of Ontario, the federal government, every First Nation government in Northwestern Ontario, Métis leadership, member municipalities of NOMA, the regional Municipal Leagues, key local institutions (hospitals, friendship centres, education facilities (primary, secondary, and post-secondary), community centres, recreation facilities, etc.), local agencies and not for profits (skills and training agencies, workforce planning boards, Community Futures Development Corporations, District Social Services Administration Boards, research and innovation organizations, etc.), local volunteer organizations (Rotary, Young Professionals Networks, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides Canada, etc.), private sector employers and associations, and every resident of Northwestern Ontario. We all have a part to play. This plan has its foundation in NOMA’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Specifically, NOMA’s commitment to undertake and support initiatives to bolster progress in Ontario’s Northwest Region.1 This effort is fueled by NOMA’s commitment to vibrant, sustainable municipalities. This plan has been prepared as a living document. It is intended to change, as needed, over time. It represents a framework for fostering growth in the region, to attract investment, and to nurture communities across Northwestern Ontario. Most importantly, NOMA hopes to see this document used to inform and guide planning, decision making, and concrete actions over the next decade. Actions by NOMA, by Canada, by Ontario, by First Nations governments, by Métis communities and by myriad other decision makers and community builders. To encourage buy-in to the goals and potential actions outlined in this document, NOMA has reached out to various sectors to discuss building an inclusive and integrated economic plan, rooted in strengthening Northwestern Ontario, and founded on collective action. Specifically, this plan is intended to: ● ●

● ●

1

Provide a comprehensive set of action items for NOMA, its member municipalities, and their partners. Actions that can lead to a thriving future for Northwestern Ontario. Facilitate decisions for growth that strengthen Northwestern Ontario economy, nurture resilient communities, promote a healthy environment, and embody a commitment to their residents. Promote a balanced and rational approach to growth decisions that capitalizes on community priorities, strengths, and opportunities. Enable growth planning that takes a comprehensive geographical perspective, integrating across natural and municipal boundaries.

http://www.noma.on.ca/upload/documents/final-noma-strat-plan-march-2022.pdf

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Time to Grow

● ●

Ensure that long-term goals and a shared vision drive growth decisions. Provide a roadmap for fostering policy coordination among all levels of government to achieve desired outcomes.

The development of this plan has been a collaborative effort2. Driving this region forward will require similar levels of participation from many different people and organizations. By overcoming several of the larger challenges that the region faces, capitalizing on key opportunities, and by creating a shared set of priorities with clear and measurable objectives, the region can thrive. Context - Northwestern Ontario In 2021 Northwestern Ontario had a population of 232,299. It covers a land mass of 526,417 square kilometers. According to Statistics Canada, there are 37 census sub-divisions (including organized municipalities and unorganized areas) and 76 First Nations or recognized reserves. Many Northwestern communities are also influenced by large “adjacent populations”. These are collections of residents who live close to the municipality but outside of its taxation boundaries. Dryden, for example, has an adjacent population equal to roughly 50% of its municipal population.3 In addition, there are significant seasonal population variances as people move into and out of communities on a temporary basis (cottagers in the Kenora area for example, or rural residents accessing services and amenities in relatively larger centers). These populations place special burdens on municipalities called upon to house them or respond to their needs. Such demands are not offset by consumption taxes on purchases while in the community because, of course, those revenues do not go to the municipality. The economic spin-offs of serving this larger population are also not easily captured by municipalities as most of the associated government revenue is tied to personal and business income taxation. As for businesses, according to the latest data from Business Counts4, there were 6,654 businesses operating in Northwestern Ontario in 2023. These are entities that reported having at least one employee (this excludes the self employed, like real estate or insurance agents). The largest number of businesses were retail operations (958) followed by health care (869) and construction (858). The fourth largest sector by number of businesses is, unsurprisingly, tourism (806).5 If instead of counting the number of businesses, we examine the number of people employed in various sectors: health care moves to number one with 21,195 employees reported by Statistics Canada in 2023. Retail (12,800), Education (10,165), Public Administration (9,885) and Construction (8,115) round out the top five. Tourism comes in at number six with 8,005 employees.

2

See the section “A Collaborative Plan” for more on the development of this plan

3 www.northernpolicy.ca/upload/documents/publications/reports-new/noga-unincorporated_en.01.03.2021.pdf 4

Canadian business counts, establishment and location counts, employment size and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), June 2015-2023 5 This figure was calculated using a definition of “tourism” related businesses from the University of British Columbia Industry Codes (NAICS) | Small Business Accelerator (ubc.ca)

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As Figure 1 demonstrates, over the last decade the number of businesses in Northwestern Ontario (again, excluding single person firms) has been flat. Recognizing this lack of growth as a fundamental problem, NOMA has focused this plan on actions that will make Northwestern Ontario more attractive to private sector investment. Not just to attract new investors, but to also encourage existing investors to stay, grow their current businesses, and to start new ones regardless of the industry they are in. The objective is to create an environment where businesspeople see themselves, their businesses, and their employees flourishing. Figure 1 – Number of Businesses (with employees)

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A Collaborative Plan This plan was developed through engagement with municipal leaders, economic developers, and various NOMA partners from across Northwestern Ontario. Working collaboratively, we identified regional priorities and explored the need for a regional action plan to support our communities in their local economic development efforts. The process included: •

A survey to municipalities around the region: Municipalities participated in a survey as part of NOMA’s Strategic Plan to identify and prioritize prominent issues experienced by Northwestern Ontario municipalities. A second survey circulated to municipalities in Fall 2023 identified strong support for NOMA to develop a regional Northwestern Ontario Economic Development Plan.

•

Engaged discussion with economic developers: Economic development officers from each Northwestern Ontario district including Thunder Bay, Kenora, and Rainy River and the City of Thunder Bay were represented in these discussions. They provided insight into the specific needs of the communities that make up our diverse region.

•

Virtual discussion and creation of a working group: A working group was established to assist in the crafting of this plan. It comprised stakeholders from various sectors in the region, including tourism, forestry, and energy. The group participated in a series of discussions to design and deliver this plan, set priorities for actions and initiatives, clarify the urgent needs of the region, and foster a holistic approach to economic development. (see Appendix C - The Northwestern Ontario Economic Plan Working Group).

NOMA also gathered a cross section of existing economic development plans that have been developed by NOMA members and partners over the last number of years. Table 1 lists the plans that were reviewed for ideas and common themes that could inform a regional plan. We explored each individual plan seeking common priorities and overarching objectives. How items were selected for inclusion in this plan will be described in the sections entitled “Focus on Items that Impact Investment” and “Focus on SMART Goals”.

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Table 1 – Existing Plans & Studies Used to Identify Regional Priorities and Action Items Name

1. Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

Municipality/ Resource Ontario

2. Strategic Plan 2021-2025

Township of Manitouwadge

3. Economic Development Strategy

Township of Nipigon

4. 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan Update Final Report

Municipality of Machin

5. 10 Year Community Development Strategic Plan

Township of Red Rock

6. Community Strategic Plan

Township of Terrace Bay

7. 2023-2025 Strategic Action Plan

Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario City of Dryden

8. Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario
9. Dryden Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
10. Township of Ignace Community Strategy-Explore our Possibilities 2019-2024

Township of Ignace

11. Strategic Plan 2023- 2027

Town of Fort Frances

12. Strategic Plan Planning to Succeed: 2020- 2023

Township of Hornepayne

13. 5-year Tourism and Economic Development Strategy

City of Kenora

14. Strategic Plan 2020-2024

Municipality of Neebing

15. 2022 Community Economic Development Strategy
16. 2020-2025 Strategic Plan

Township of Sioux Narrows- Nestor Falls Municipality of Sioux Lookout

17. Destination Northern Ontario Study

Destination Northern Ontario

18. Northern Ontario transportation task force final report

Province of Ontario

19. Building a Digital Ontario

Ontario

20. 2022 Progress 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan

Kenora District Service Board

21. The Future of Inter-Community Bus Service in Northwestern Ontario

Common Voice Northwest

22. Kenora District Housing Strategy

Kenora District Services Board

23. Connecting the North: A Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Transportation

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A Plan to Grow Private Investment To attract, retain, or grow local businesses you first must understand what drives private investment. One way to do this is by looking to site selectors and the literature around site selection. Table 2 summarizes a sample of site selection resources to highlight the most common factors driving site selection decisions. There are four factors that are on every list: Access to Skilled Labour, Quality of Life, Utilities & Local Infrastructure, and Access to Market. It seems these are the four factors most likely to influence site selectors and the companies that use them. A fifth factor was added to this initial list of four: Housing. Housing is not always treated as a part of the “economic development” envelope. Particularly as economic development relates to federal and provincial programs to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. Nevertheless, housing is a significant factor that can support or constrain private investment. The significant impacts the current national housing crisis is having on both access to labour and quality of life are proof of that. The decision to add housing as a fifth priority area also reflects the urgency currently assigned to the issue by the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, housing has been (and remains) a critical issue in many First Nations and in many municipalities where growth is constrained due to lack of housing. Table 2 – A Sample of Top Ten Site Selection Criteria by Priority b

Access to Skilled Labour Quality of Life Infrastructure & Public Services Access to Market Location Incentives Construction/Land Costs Responsive Business Environment Cost of Labour Corporate Taxes Proximity to Market/Suppliers Cost of Energy

List 16

List 27

List 38

List 49

List 510

Average Score

Final Rank

2

2

3

1

2

2

1

4 5

1 7

2 4

9 8

7 3

5 5

2 3

7 3 10*

4 5 6

6 10* 5

6 5 4

1 6 4

5 6 6

4 5 6

6

8

9

3

5

6

7

10* 1 10*

10* 10* 3

1 7 10*

2 10* 7

10* 10* 10*

7 8 8

8 9 10

10*

10*

8

10*

10*

10

11

*Where a list did not cite a factor, it was scored at a 10 for averaging purposes

6

https://siteselection.com/issues/2024/jan/here-come-the-boys-from-the-south.cfm https://www.thinkcurrituck.com/blog/what-site-selectors-really-want-9-things-no-corporate-relocation-canresist#:~:text=Site%20selectors%20are%20keen%20on,the%20company%20time%20and%20money. 8 https://www.areadevelopment.com/corporate-consultants-survey-results/q1-2023/37th-annual-corporate-survey-decison-makersfeel-economic-pressures.shtml 9 https://info.siteselectiongroup.com/blog/17-site-selection-best-practices-to-consider-before-searching-for-your-next-location 10 https://researchfdi.com/resources/articles/the-power-of-informed-decisions-site-selection-principles-and-best-practices/ 7

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This regional economic plan is predicated on the idea of “stronger together”. The goals set out here are meant to strengthen NOMA, NOMA’s members, and NOMA’s partners. First Nations are central to the growth and prosperity of everyone living in Northwestern Ontario. To encourage growth for all, NOMA and its other partners must be committed to supporting First Nations to grow and achieve their aspirations as well. In 2024 no one should be left behind. Just focusing on these five priority areas eliminated a considerable number of potential goals and actions from the regional plan. Of note are two groups of ideas that were present in large volume in the plans reviewed. Ideas that were not carried over into this plan as they were not identified as priority factors that drive investment decisions. The first was marketing. Almost every plan reviewed included multiple goals to expand, enhance, or better target marketing efforts and advertising. The second was improving the business environment through reducing red tape, enhancing incentives, or otherwise making it easier to secure permits and approvals. Reading through existing plans and strategies there is a clear sense that communities see their own processes as needing a serious overhaul. While business practices did appear on the top ten list of items site selectors consider when advising for or against investment, the issue did not crack the top three and so these actions are also excluded from the regional plan. It is important to note that this does not mean that better marketing and improved business climate are not important. It simply means that from the perspective of attracting private investment in the form of business attraction, retention, and growth they are less urgent than other items. (Although it is recognized that once plans for growth have been implemented there will be a need to communicate the strengths of the individual communities in order to attract investment.) Focus on SMART Goals Having identified five priority areas for action, the second step to reduce the number of goals (and supporting actions) included in this plan was to ask whether the goal was specific, measurable, assignable, realistic, and time-delimited (e.g. whether it is a S.M.A.R.T. goal see Figure 2).

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Each shortlisted action taken from a survey, an existing local or regional plan, or suggestions taken from NOMA partners or Working Group members was assessed based on the S.M.A.R.T criteria. Only those that met the criteria are included in the plan. Figure 2 – Defining S.M.A.R.T. Goals

To better understand the operation of the two-stage screening of:

1. “Is this a top three influencer of investment decisions?” and,
2. “Is it a SMART goal?”, consider the following examples: The Tourism Modification Pilot Project referenced in Table 1 includes the following goals: Undertake an assessment of current and future demographics of resource-based tourism and examine the most appropriate digital marketing tools to attract this demographic to Northwestern Ontario. Engage resource-based tourism operators to develop and implement a social media marketing campaign utilizing multiple social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, as well as tactics such as social media influencers and photo tagging. These goals do not meet the criteria outlined for SMART goals. While they are both actionable and realistic, neither of them is specific, measurable, or set to a defined timeline. Furthermore, they deal with enhanced marketing, a factor that is not routinely identified as a leading factor influencing investment decisions. In contrast, the Building a Digital Ontario Plan includes the following: Ensure 100% of the residents of Northwestern Ontario have access to internet speeds equivalent to 50 Megabits per second download and 10 Megabits per second uploads by the end of 2025. 10

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This goal undoubtedly impacts access to market, one of the top four things that influence private investment decisions. Considering the recent growth in working from home, this goal also impacts access to labour, the number one factor that site selectors see as influencing investment choices. Furthermore, this goal is specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time delimited. This goal, therefore, does appear in the regional plan.

Where More Study is Needed The preference for this plan is not to outline where Northwestern leaders should “explore” or “study” but where they should “act”. Of course, there are and will be many issues where further exploration and research is needed. Those items should be considered during future periods set aside to review and reflect on the actions that are set out and prioritized within this plan. This plan after all is meant as a living document, to be revised and updated regularly as experience and circumstances require.

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Goals Overview In this plan NOMA has set out 15 goals for Northwestern Ontario to achieve over the next decade. Those 15 goals are listed below. The rest of this document contains the analysis underlying these goals and lists proposed actions that could be undertaken to achieve the desired goals. The actions are broken up into three categories: actions that NOMA will take, actions that the provincial and federal governments should take, and actions that NOMA’s many partners could take. Focus for Action 1- Access to Skilled Labour Goal 1: Increase the number of Indigenous individuals who are employed in Northwestern Ontario by 2% a year from 2025 to 2035. Goal 2: Increase the migration (interprovincial, intraprovincial, and international) of people under 40 to the following levels by 2025 and stay at or above these figures until 2035: • • •

Thunder Bay Census Division – 1000 Kenora Census Division – 200 Rainy River Census Division – 100

Goal 3: Enhance quality and access to Labour Market Information across the region so that: a. By 2025 ensure labour market information (including existing skills inventory, expected retirements by job type, and projected workforce demand) is readily available and updated at least annually for every municipality with a population greater than 1000. b. By 2030 similar information is available for every municipality and unorganized area. Focus for Action 2- Quality of Life Goal 4: By 2030 60% of Northwestern Ontario’s population, and by 2035 80% of Northwestern Ontario’s population should be: a. within a 30-minute drive of a library, neighbourhood park, primary education, childcare, grocery store, or pharmacy. b. within a 60-minute drive of in-person access to government services, health care, postsecondary education, and a recreation facility (pool, rink, recreation centre). Goal 5: Improve the public “face” of our region so that: • •

By 2030 50% of Northwestern Ontario’s communities should have completed an entrance, rehabilitation, and beautification project. By 2035 100% of Northwestern Ontario’s communities should have done so.

Goal 6: Continue to improve high speed internet and cellular access throughout Northwestern Ontario so that: • •

By 2025 100% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to internet services with download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps. By 2030 100% of communities with a population greater than 10,000 have access to internet services with download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 30 Mbps. 12

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• •

• •

By 2035 75% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to internet services with download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 30 Mbps. By 2025 all remaining gaps in cellular coverage along the primary and secondary highway systems have been measured and accurately mapped based on direct measurement and not tower range estimation. By 2030 50% of the identified cellular coverage gaps by confirmed coverage from a least two national cellular networks. By 2035 100% of primary and secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario have confirmed coverage for their full length from at least two national cellular networks.

Focus for Action 3- Infrastructure & Public Services Goal 7: Continue to enhance and improve the electrical transmission infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: •

• • •

By 2030 all communities at the end of existing radial lines will either have parallel/looped transmission lines in place or sufficient local generation has been established to provide a second source of supply. By 2030 25% of the transmission and distribution lines identified as having “aged out” will have been replaced. By 2035 all of remaining transmission and distribution lines that have “aged out” will have been replaced. By 2035 a plan is in place to replace/upgrade transmission and distribution lines going forward so that we do not find ourselves being serviced by “aged out” infrastructure in the future.

Goal 8: Continue to improve scheduled mass transit between communities in Northwestern Ontario so that: • By 2030, a 7-day a week, same-day, inter-community bus service is in place between: o Emo and Thunder Bay o Winnipeg and Thunder Bay o Greenstone (Longlac) and Thunder Bay o White River and Thunder Bay • •

The link between Northwestern Ontario and Northeastern Ontario is maintained but shortened to run from White River to Sault St Marie (and beyond). By 2035 a separate community shuttle service is in place to feed passengers located on secondary highways into the primary Northwest intercommunity bus service.

Goal 9: Continue to make the primary and secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario safer and more welcoming by ensuring that: • By 2030 at least 75% of the communities accessible from the primary highway network and 50% of those accessible from the secondary highway network should have signage similar or equivalent to that on Highway 401 for services, attractions, and facilities at highway intersections.

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•

•

•

•

By 2035 at least 90% of the communities accessible from the primary highway network and 80% of those accessible from the secondary highway network should have signage similar or equivalent to that on Highway 401 for services, attractions, and facilities at highway intersections. By 2030 100% of the communities on the primary highway network and 100% of those on the secondary highway network should have distance-to-service warnings for gas, restaurant, accommodation, and comfort facilities immediately before entering each municipality or settlement. By 2030 100% of the primary highway network should have access to functional and well-equipped year-round facilities (public or private) with restrooms at intervals no greater than 100km. By 2035 100% of the secondary highway network should have access to functional and well-equipped year-round facilities (public or private) with restrooms at intervals no greater than 100km.

Focus for Action 4- Access to Market Goal 10: Improve affordability, reliability, and safety of connections to remote communities in Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2030, 3 remote runways in Northwestern Ontario have been extended by a minimum of 500 meters provided the community supports such an extension. • By 2035, at least 5 more remote runways in Northwestern Ontario have been extended by a minimum of 500 meters provided the community supports such an extension. • By 2030 at least 200 kilometers of “winter roads” have been upgraded to “all season” roads provided the affected communities support such infrastructure investments. • By 2035 at least another 200 kilometers of “winter roads” have been upgraded to “all season” roads provided the affected communities support such infrastructure investments. Goal 11: Accelerate improvements to the safety and capacity of the highway system in Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2030 all current twinning projects that have passed the preliminary planning stage as of 2025 are completed. • By 2030 plans are in place to implement a 2 plus1 highway system for the entire length of any un-twinned sections of the primary highways11 from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie • By 2040 a 2 plus1 highway system is in place for the entire length of any un-twinned sections of the primary highways from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie

11

Primary Highways: These highways form the “primary” route through Northwestern Ontario, specifically: o Highway 17 from the Manitoba border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11/17 from Shabaqua Corners to Sistonens Corner o Highway 102 from Sistonens Corner to Thunder Bay o Highway 11/17 from Thunder Bay to Nipigon o Highway 17 from Nipigon to White River

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• •

By 2035 plans are in place to implement a 2 plus1 highway system for the entire length of the secondary highways12 in Northwestern Ontario. By 2045 a 2 plus1 highway system is in place for the entire length of the secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario.

Goal 12: Enhance the viability and sustainability of municipal airports throughout Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2025 100% of municipal airports can qualify for federal or provincial capital and operating assistance. • By 2030 at least 75% of municipal airports have regularly scheduled service for at least six months of the year. Focus for Action 5- Housing Goal 13: Continue to improve housing accessible to seniors so that: • By 2030, 50% of municipalities with more than 1000 in population should have at least one senior’s complex with access to reasonable assisted living supports. • By 2035, 75% of municipalities with more than 1000 in population should have at least one senior’s complex with access to reasonable assisted living supports. Goal 14: Continue to improve housing for at-risk populations so that: • By 2030 municipalities with a population greater than 10,000 have the ability to house at least 75% of their previous five-year average of at-risk populations in affordable and supportive housing. • By 2035 municipalities with a population greater than 10,000 have the ability to house at least 90% of their previous five-year average of at-risk populations in affordable and supportive housing. Goal 15: Continue to improve housing affordability in Northwestern Ontario so that: • By 2025 60% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income. • By 2030 80% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income. • By 2035 90% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income.

Secondary Highways: These highways serve or connect “larger” population centres that are not on or proximate to a primary highway to the primary system, specifically: o Highway 11 from the US border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11 from Nipigon to the Thunder Bay census division boundary 12

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Focus for Action 1 – Access to Skilled Labour Regional economic development depends on the ability to attract, retain, and develop the workforce. Accessing labour has become a challenge in Northwestern Ontario, as it has elsewhere in Canada and globally. With an aging population more people retire and fewer enter the workforce. Only the District of Kenora (see Figure 3) has a more sustainable population pattern with a large cohort of young people balancing out the population nearing retirement age.

Figure 3 – Population Pyramids 2021

Kenora Census Division

Rainy River Census Division

Thunder Bay Census Division

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Improving Labour Market Outcomes for Indigenous Peoples Growing the overall labour pool is important for economic development and growth in the region. First Nation and Métis people who choose to participate in the labour market, for example, continue to see outcomes below the Canadian norm. Continuing to work on the issues and barriers preventing these individuals from fully realizing their career aspirations is critical to the future of Northwestern Ontario. As Figure 4 highlights, progress has been made in this area, but it is painfully slow. Figure 4 – Labour Market Participation of FNMI Individuals

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In discussing these ongoing challenges with the Northwestern Economic Plan Working Group members and other key partners, it became clear that continued, gradual growth was an appropriate and reasonable target for progress in this area.13

Goal 1: Increase the number of Indigenous individuals who are employed in Northwestern Ontario by 2% a year from 2025 to 2035. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Create a First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) liaison committee to identify priority areas where NOMA can lend its support to initiatives that will help this population access and enter the labour force. b. Through its FNMI liaison committee, meet with FNMI leadership, service institutions, and community organizations at least four times a year to promote mutual understanding and identify common goals. c. Work with industry partners and municipalities to identify employment opportunities within the community, and actively share this information to First Nations, and Métis communities in the surrounding areas. d. Collaborate with industry partners and municipalities to develop and aid in the implementation of succession planning strategies. These strategies aim to determine when job vacancies become available, to secure the workforce needed to fill the vacancy and to ensure that there is progression within the industry. e. Advocate for cultural training opportunities to be expanded and utilized when an organization wants to hire Indigenous individuals.
2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Continue to support and expand labour market training and supports for FNMI youth and individuals in transition. b. Continue to support and expand funding for the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities program, aiming at extending the standard duration of the positions to 16 weeks and to give opportunities for Indigenous youth to gain job experience. c. Launch a pilot mentorship program for Indigenous individuals to create opportunities for professional growth but also focused on elevating educational attainment levels. Through mentorship, Indigenous individuals will be guided to skills and qualification advancement.
3. Canada should: a. Continue to support and increase funding for the Canada Summer Student aiming at extending the standard duration of the positions from 8 weeks to 16 weeks Program to increase FNMI student job opportunities.

13

NOMA wishes to especially thank John DiGiacomo at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services and Jordan Hatton, Director of Economic Development, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) for taking the time for extended discussions on this question.

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b. Launch a pilot within the Canada Summer Jobs program to cover 16-week placements for FNMI candidates. 4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Joining local boards and commissions to ensure the perspective of First Nations, and Métis communities are represented. b. Working with local agencies and community groups to connect First Nations youth to cross-cultural opportunities and work experience. c. Meeting and working with Local Agencies & Not for Profits and the private sector to identify non-cultural barriers to workforce participation (e.g. transportation, childcare, housing) and experiment with means to overcome them (subsidies, direct supply, coordinating crowd sourced solutions (ride sharing)). 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Hiring indigenous students and indigenous graduates. b. Contributing to the work of local First Nation and Métis organizations working to bring indigenous youth into the workforce. This support can be either financial or through volunteer hours of staff and elected officials. c. Working with industry partners and NOMA to identify employment opportunities within the community, and actively share this information to First Nation and Métis communities in the surrounding areas. d. Collaborating with industry partners and NOMA to develop and implement succession planning strategies. These strategies aim to determine when job vacancies become available, to secure the workforce needed to fill the vacancy and to ensure that there is progression within the industry. 6. Major Institutions could consider: a. Providing cultural supports and workplace training opportunities for indigenous students and for indigenous residents who are not students. b. Fostering partnerships with industry for easy pathways for indigenous student work placements and recent graduate employment. c. Offering supportive services for the broader indigenous population, like on campus public events celebrating diverse cultures and encouraging cross cultural experiences. 7. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Continuing to provide community connections for housing, healthcare, language, and other essential services. b. Offering recreation and cultural programs for community engagement. c. Meeting and working with First Nations, Métis communities, and the private sector to identify non-cultural barriers to workforce participation (e.g. transportation, childcare, housing) and experiment with means to overcome them (subsidies, direct supply, coordinating crowd sourced solutions (ride sharing)) 19

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8. Community Organizations could consider: a. Continuing to provide community connections by hosting events on campus or for students off campus. b. Continuing to provide community connections by hosting events for or with indigenous peoples and indigenous support agencies. c. Offering recreation and cultural programs for community engagement. d. Recruit indigenous students and indigenous community members as volunteers and/or paid summer students.
9. The Private Sector could consider: a. Hiring indigenous students and indigenous graduates. b. Providing work-based learning opportunities to develop work experience and to assist in transitioning community competencies to a workplace context. c. Sponsoring public events celebrating diverse cultures and encouraging cross cultural experiences. d. Contributing to the work of local First Nation and Métis organizations working to bring indigenous youth into the workforce. This support can be either financial or through volunteer hours of staff and elected officials. e. Attending training and cultural learning events. Set aside times for employees to attend cultural training opportunities. f. Meeting and working with Local Agencies & Not for Profits, First Nations, and Métis communities to identify non-cultural barriers to workforce participation (e.g. transportation, childcare, housing) and experiment with means to overcome them (subsidies, direct supply, coordinating crowd sourced solutions (ride sharing))

Growing the Labour Pool through Immigration & Migration With Canada’s birth rate reaching an all-time low in 2022 (1.33 children per woman) 14 growing the domestic population has limited potential as a short to medium term solution for the labour shortage. It should be noted that birthrates among Indigenous peoples is well above that of the general population. But even as the Indigenous population grows, it remains an overall small contributor to the total population generally and to the labour force specifically. In terms of resolving the labour shortage, increased migration is then, a necessary part of the solution. Northwestern Ontario must improve its ability to attract and retain people from other parts of the province, the country, and the world. The good news is, this effort has been underway for some time now, and is showing results. As shown in Figure 5, the factors that have contributed to very recent positive population trends in Northwestern Ontario. While recent trends are impressive, we still have work to do. In 2017 the Northern Policy Institute (NPI) estimated that to maintain the Northwest’s productivity and standard of living at current levels we would need to attract 1861 newcomers to the region, on average, every year 14

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240131/dq240131c-eng.htm

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until 2041.15 It is also important to note that for maximum economic benefit the majority of these new arrivals need to have a considerable number of productive years ahead of them in the workplace. In 2019 NPI went further and calculated sustainable net-migration targets for every community in Northern Ontario. Based on the historical levels of successful net migration in communities of similar size across Canada NPI estimated, for example, that Oliver Paipoonge could absorb 86 new arrivals a year, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls could welcome 28, Terrace Bay 38, and Dryden 111.16

Figure 5 – Components of Population Change

15 16

www.northernpolicy.ca/upload/documents/presentations/2017/draft_presentation_thunderbaylip_bilingu.pdf www.northernpolicy.ca/upload/documents/publications/commentaries-new/commentary-zefi_newcomers-4-en.pdf

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Goal 2: Increase the migration (interprovincial, intraprovincial, and international) of people under 40 to the following levels by 2025 and stay at or above these figures until 2035:

• Thunder Bay Census Division – 1000
• Kenora Census Division – 200
• Rainy River Census Division – 100 Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for population growth and the need for greater migration to Northwestern Ontario in meetings or briefing with local MPs and MPPs b. Advocate for population growth and the need for greater migration to Northwestern Ontario in meetings or briefing with key federal or provincial ministers. c. Advocate for a set-aside in the Ontario provincial nominee program of 1000 spaces dedicated to Northwestern Ontario. d. Advocate for the inclusion of at least two new Northwestern communities or regions in the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot. e. Advocate for the inclusion of at least one new Northwestern community in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. f. Advocate for the permanent inclusion of Northwestern Ontario with a designated setaside of at least 1000 immigrants per year as well as an allocation of appropriate federal funding under any new permanent community driven immigration program.17 g. Invite their partners, when appropriate, to join a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs, and key ministers to emphasize the need for greater net-migration to Northwestern Ontario and to call for set-asides in relevant provincial and federal immigration streams.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Set-aside 1000 spaces in the Ontario provincial nominee program dedicated to Northwestern Ontario. b. Ensure that Northwestern Ontario is included in provincial marketing resources when promoting Ontario to international immigrants. c. Ensure that provincial officials hold at least four sessions per year in Northwestern Ontario to educate local businesses about immigration and to assist them in participating in available initiatives. With another two sessions held online. d. Expand funding for attraction and settlement services in Northwestern Ontario, including partnering with local communities to invest in dedicated multicultural spaces for community events and welcoming activities.

17

Between the OINP and the new community driven approaches NWO should have a minimum allocation of 2000 spaces. This will allow for natural attrition while still supporting the goal of 1800 net new migrants per year.

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3. Canada should: a. Ensure that at least two Northwestern communities or regions are included in the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). b. Ensure that at least one Northwestern community is included in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) (ideally this community would be a different one than the two included in RCIP). c. Specifically include Northwestern Ontario in any new permanent community driven immigration program with a designated set-aside of at least 1000 immigrants per year for the entire region. This allocation should come with appropriate federal funding for attraction and screening of that number of applicants. d. Increase the number of federally supported service provider locations offering immigration and integration services to ensure that a physical office is located within 2 hours drive of every community with a population of at least 1,000 people.18 e. Launch a pilot expansion of the Canada Summer Jobs Program to include international students in Northwestern Ontario.19
4. First Nations, and Métis Communities could consider: a. Joining the Local Immigration Partnerships to ensure First Nations and Métis perspectives are represented. b. Identifying ways that immigration can enhance First Nation and Métis capacity through filling labour gaps and promoting knowledge transfer. c. Working with Local Immigration partnerships to connect immigrants to existing crosscultural opportunities.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Understanding the base of their individual municipal net-migration and then set their own net-migration targets by budget cycle 2025. b. Hiring international students and international graduates. c. Working collaboratively to submit stronger joint or complementary proposals as part of the 2024 process to apply for the two new federal immigration pilots. d. Contributing to the work of Local Immigration Partnerships and other communitybased attraction, retention, and settlement initiatives either financially or through volunteer hours of staff and elected officials. e. Publicly endorsing and celebrating cultural diversity through official declarations and events that make newcomers feel valued and welcomed in the community. f. In partnership with the private sector, community organizations, major institutions, local agencies and not for profits implementing ‘welcome packages’ for new immigrants and international students that include community information, cultural orientation, and local service contacts, making the transition smoother and more welcoming.

18

Service need not be 5-day a week, but it should be a minimum of monthly service that is scheduled, reliable, and in-person. Alternatively, such a pilot could be modelled on the recent success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and focus on rural and northern federal ridings. 19

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6. Major Institutions could consider: a. Providing cultural, language, and workplace training opportunities for international students and for new immigrants who are not students. b. Fostering partnerships with industry for easy pathways for newcomer student work placements and recent graduate employment. c. Offering supportive services for newcomers, like on campus public events celebrating diverse cultures and encouraging cross cultural experiences. d. In partnership with the private sector, community organizations, local agencies and not for profits and municipalities implementing ‘welcome packages’ for new immigrants and international students that include community information, cultural orientation, and local service contacts, making the transition smoother and more welcoming.
7. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Continuing to provide community connections for housing, healthcare, language, and other essential services. b. Offering recreation and cultural programs for community engagement. c. In partnership with the private sector, community organizations, major institutions, and municipalities implementing ‘welcome packages’ for new immigrants and international students that include community information, cultural orientation, and local service contacts, making the transition smoother and more welcoming.
8. Community Organizations could consider: a. Continuing to provide community connections by hosting events on campus or for students off campus. b. Continuing to provide community connections by hosting events for or with newcomers and newcomer support agencies. c. Offering recreation and cultural programs for community engagement. d. Recruiting international students and newcomers as volunteers. e. In partnership with the private sector, major institutions, local agencies and not for profits and municipalities implementing ‘welcome packages’ for new immigrants and international students that include community information, cultural orientation, and local service contacts, making the transition smoother and more welcoming.
9. The Private Sector could consider: a. Hiring international students and international graduates. b. Providing work-based learning opportunities to develop Canadian experience and to assist in transitioning international competencies to the Canadian context. c. Sponsoring public events celebrating diverse cultures and encouraging cross cultural experiences. d. Contributing to the work of Local Immigration Partnerships and other communitybased attraction, retention, and settlement initiatives either financially or through volunteer hours of staff and elected officials. 24

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e. Promoting an inclusive and welcoming work environment that celebrates multiculturalism and diversity, enhancing the attractiveness of Northwestern Ontario to international talent. f. Developing and publicizing mentorship programs that pair established Canadian professionals with international students and newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging and community connection. g. In partnership with individual municipalities, community organizations, major institutions, local agencies and not for profits implementing ‘welcome packages’ for new immigrants and international students that include community information, cultural orientation, and local service contacts, making the transition smoother and more welcoming. h. Identify and pursue opportunities to increase employee’s wages and benefits whenever possible. A disconnect between labour demand and labour supply. Since 2010 the phrase “jobs without people, people without jobs”20 has become commonplace when discussing labour markets in Canada. The governments of Ontario and Canada continue to aggressively make policy (and policy exceptions) to incentivize people to pursue “in demand jobs”.21 Unfortunately, due to data and measurement challenges for smaller populations, the focus continues to be regional in nature.22 When a region covers 526,417 square kilometers (as Northwestern Ontario does) regional measures are next to useless when local leaders are trying to attract and retain talent. If we are to effectively fill in demand jobs in a timely way at the local level over the next decade we must have access to timely data at the local level.

Goal 3: Enhance quality and access to Labour Market Information across the region so that: a) By 2025 ensure labour market information (including existing skills inventory, expected retirements by job type, and projected workforce demand) is readily available and updated at least annually for every municipality with a population greater than 1000. b) By 2030 similar information is available for every municipality and unorganized area.

20

http://minerandminer.ca/data/CO_PWJ_Brochure_CAN_2010_v4.pdf https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinp-employer-job-offer-demand-skills-stream https://www.services.labour.gov.on.ca/labourmarket/regions.xhtml?lang=en

21 22

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Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for funding and resources from provincial and federal government to support the development and maintenance of a publicly available centralized labour market information platform that is all inclusive. b. Advocate for funding from the provincial and federal government to support data collection in Northwestern Ontario. c. Advocate for funding from the provincial and federal government for educational and training programs that align with labour market needs in the region.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Define a minimum set of labour market measures to be made available by an entity designated by the province to monitor the regional labour market. This data should be made available at the community level and be comparable to data available for every community in Ontario. b. Mandate the provision of Labour Market Information directly to all secondary schools on and off reserve, with a focus on replacement demand and forecast labour demand data to ensure students are aware of what jobs will be available in the near future. c. Mandate the provision of Labour Market Information directly to service agencies and job developers supporting at risk and underemployed populations including, for example, First Nations, Métis, newcomers, and women. d. Ensure adequate funding is in place to support meeting this community level reporting on labour market demand and supply. e. Expand funding for transition support and work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships, internships, and co-op programs in Northwestern Ontario. f. Fund additional data collection in unorganized areas and in communities of less than 1000 people to ensure those communities also have access to reliable labour market information. g. Work with Indigenous communities and organizations, Canada, municipalities, and others to establish and monitor the achievement of targets on indicators of education, employment, and training opportunities. h. Promote local jobs and opportunities regionally, provincially, nationally, and globally.
3. Canada should: a. Provide financial support to enhance the capacity for collecting and reporting labour market information at the individual community level. b. Collaborate with the provincial government on labour market data collection. c. Provide targeted funds to support data collection focused on students, graduates, training programs, forecast labour demand, and skills enhancement opportunities.

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d. Provide funding for initiatives aimed at providing labour market information and training to teachers and guidance counsellors targeting high schools in collaboration with provincial government and municipalities. 4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Partnering with educational institutions and training providers to gather data on educational attainment and skill development initiatives in Indigenous communities. b. Work with First Nation training institutions to complete labour market information surveys to complete internal skills databases. 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to labour market information for residents and businesses within the region. b. Partnering with education institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify labour market needs and work-base opportunities within their communities. 6. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Partnering with NOMA and municipalities to facilitate the sharing and collection of labour market information within the communities. b. Developing and disseminating information resources for teachers and guidance counsellors targeting high schools in Northwestern Ontario 7. The Private Sector could consider: a. Contributing and giving feedback on the sharing and collection of labour market information to ensure that it is relevant to the needs of the employers. b. Collaborating with educational institutions, municipalities, workforce planning boards to provide input on the skills and labour demand required to their relevant industries for the future employment opportunities. c. Investing in education and training that align with labour market needs with a particular focus on work-based learning for individuals entering the workforce. d. Collaborating with high schools and education institutions to provide labour market information and training to teachers and guidance counsellors. e. Promote their jobs and opportunities regionally, provincially, nationally, and globally.

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Focus for Action 2 – Quality of Life Municipal leaders know that “recreation services (including programs, community facilities, parks, and playgrounds) are highly valued by residents and contribute to the health and wellness of individuals, families, and the community itself.”23 Potential investors and their employees look carefully at the amenities in the community before making the decision to invest or move. Tourist operators also understand the importance of these amenities in attracting visitors (and encouraging them to “come again”). In Northwestern Ontario, however, many factors (including for example: rising insurance costs24, relatively small tax bases, higher construction and maintenance costs, and staffing challenges) combine to make it more difficult to deliver and maintain the level of access needed to meet demand. Increasing Access to Quality Services Access to public services and a mix of amenities is paramount for economic growth and business attraction and retention. Access to schools, health care, cultural experiences, entertainment, and other services make lives richer and communities stronger. Without this access it is much more difficult to attract visitors, temporary residents, and new community members.25 Statistics Canada measures and reports on proximity to key services and amenities. They assign a score of 1 to the neighbourhood (in all of Canada) that is in closest proximity to the service identified and then the scores fall off from there as the relative distance to access that service grows. The District of Rainy River’s score of .0078 on “proximity to grocery store”, for example, means that, for the average neighbourhood in Rainy River, when measuring proximity to a grocery store relative to the rest of Canada, grocery stores are considerably harder to get to in Rainy River. Unfortunately, as Table 3 showcases, Northwestern Ontario scores poorly across the board on these measures, even in our urban centres.

23 24 25

https://www.greenstone.ca/en/news/household-survey-recreation-and-playground-masterplan.aspx http://www.noma.on.ca/upload/documents/2022-02-joint-and-several-liability.pdf https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/immigration-rural-ontario-canada-1.7106640

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Table 3 – Relative Proximity to Essential Services26 Rainy River Districti Thunder Bay District Urban Thunder Bay District Rural

Employment Pharmacy Childcare Healthcare Grocery 0.0011 0.0087 0.0041 0.0020 0.0078 0.0121

0.0154

0.0253

0.0101

0.0184

0.0003

0.0017

0.0013

0.0007

0.0045

Kenora District - Urban

0.0042

0.0255

0.0102

0.0057

0.0237

Kenora District - Rural

0.0009

0.0062

0.0030

0.0012

0.0073

Northern Ontario Urban

0.0181

0.0504

0.0467

0.0168

0.0480

Northern Ontario Rural

0.0042

0.0564

0.0194

0.0056

0.0503

Ontario Urban

0.1180

0.0883

0.1236

0.0777

0.0801

Ontario Rural

0.0098

0.0474

0.0262

0.0104

0.0934

i

Note : There are no urban areas in the Rainy River District. Education (Primary)

Education (Secondary) Library

0.0121

0.0118

0.0119

0.0045

0.0000

Thunder Bay District - Urban

0.0548

0.0393

0.0085

0.0259

0.0136

Thunder Bay District - Rural

0.0217

0.0235

0.0126

0.0037

0.0000

Kenora District - Urban

0.0325

0.0107

0.0279

0.0088

0.0000

Kenora District - Rural

0.0121

0.0150

0.0117

0.0062

0.0000

Northern Ontario Urban

0.1002

0.0934

0.0457

0.0658

0.0308

Northern Ontario Rural

0.0863

0.0937

0.0744

0.0483

0.0000

Ontario Urban

0.1444

0.1396

0.0660

0.0873

0.0707

Ontario Rural

0.0412

0.0808

0.0500

0.0606

0.0079

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/17-26-0002/172600022023001-eng.htm

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Rainy River Districti

Notei: There are no urban areas in the Rainy River District.

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In calculating the proximity scores presented in Table 3, Statistics Canada has defined a basic level of desired access for ten services it has labelled “essential”. The “target” distances for each service are: • • • • • •

• • •

Proximity to employment: Indicates whether at least one source of employment exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a driving distance of 10 km. Proximity to pharmacies: Indicates whether at least one pharmacy or drug store exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a walking distance of 1km. Proximity to Childcare: Indicates whether at least one childcare facility exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a walking distance of 1.5 km. Proximity to Healthcare: Indicates whether at least one health facility exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a driving distance of 3 km. Proximity to Grocery Stores: Indicates whether at least one grocery store exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a walking distance of 1 km. Proximity to Primary and Secondary Education: Indicates whether at least one primary education facility exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a walking distance of 1.5 km. Indicates whether at least one secondary education facility exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a walking distance of 1.5 km. Proximity to Libraries: Indicates whether at least one library exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a 1.5 km walking distance. Proximity to Neighbourhood Parks: Indicates whether at least one park exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a 1 km walking distance. Proximity to Public Transit: Indicates whether at least one transit stop exists within the boundaries of a dissemination block of a 1 km walking distance.

Goal 4: By 2030 60% of Northwestern Ontario’s population, and by 2035 80% of Northwestern Ontario’s population should be: a) within a 30-minute drive of a library, neighbourhood park, primary education, childcare, grocery store, or pharmacy. b) within a 60-minute drive of in-person access to government services, health care, post-secondary education, and a recreation facility (pool, rink, recreation centre). Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for provincial and federal support for continued development of essential services around the region. b. Advocate for improved infrastructure and transportation networks, so there is a reduction in travel times between communities for essential services. c. Collaborate with municipalities, to identify the priority needs and areas for the development of service centers. 30

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d. Advocate for increased funding for the development, maintenance, and improvement of recreation facilities of municipalities across Northwestern Ontario. e. Advocate to the provincial and federal government to create initiatives that support the sustainability and improved accessibility of recreation facilities in rural and remote communities in the region. 2. Province of Ontario should: a. Allocate funding for construction and operation of service centers in underserved areas of Northwestern Ontario. b. Explore the potential for “shared service locations” staffed on a fixed or predictable itinerant schedule by key service providers. c. Allocate funding for the accessibility and maintenance of recreation facilities in Northwestern Ontario communities. d. Provide support to municipalities for improved recreation facilities that meet the needs of the community members served. e. Look at including specific line items for regional collaboration and coordination (association membership, travel, and staff time) in grants and budgets for local agencies and supported not-for-profits. f. Look at including specific line items for mandatory (well defined and consistent) data collection and open data reporting in grants and budgets for local agencies and supported not-for-profits. 3. Canada should: a. Provide financial support for projects that help improve access to essential services in rural and remote communities in Northwestern Ontario. b. Collaborate with the provincial and municipal government to bring better essential services to underserved communities and implement initiatives that address specifically the unique geographical needs of the region. c. Continue to support and invest more resources in Community Futures organizations. d. Look at including specific line items for regional collaboration and coordination (association membership, travel, and staff time) in grants and budgets for local agencies and supported not-for-profits. e. Look at including specific line items for mandatory (well defined and consistent) data collection and open data reporting in grants and budgets for local agencies and supported not-for-profits. 4. First Nations, and Metis Communities could consider: a. Pursuing economic development opportunities that would provide services to the region, both on and off-reserve. b. Partnering with businesses that provide services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, both on and off-reserve. 5. Individual municipalities could consider: a. Prioritizing the attraction of private sector providers of services absent from or difficult to access in their community (pharmacies, hotels, restaurants) 31

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b. c. d. e.

Identifying mixed-use spaces that can be revitalized for community areas. Creating public spaces that are both kid-friendly and family-friendly. Invest in beautification of public municipal areas. Leveraging and motivating private investment for community revitalization and beautification. f. Improving the physical state and visual aesthetic of public and private properties and building around the communities. g. Improving walking, cycling and accessibility conditions for the residents in the region. h. Partnering and supporting the provincial government and social service sector to improve access to housing for residents and labour, particularly in healthcare, social services, and wellness programs. i. Supporting organizations and local community groups that deliver programs and services within the community. Allocating resources for cross-cultural education programs for staff in the municipalities as well as the public. j. Developing policies to promote diversification and inclusion among the community. k. Conducting a municipal services review to determine which services need to be maintained, improved, or discontinued, ensuring community consultation is implemented. l. Reviewing municipal services and programs and determine their efficiency and effectiveness and make changes where needed. m. Improving and maintaining recreational facilities and programs that meet the needs of all ages. n. Ensuring that safety initiatives include safe and clean physical environments and that neighbourhoods are walkable. 6. Major Institutions could consider: a. Expanding their services on programs and services that can reach residents in underserved and remote areas for essential services like healthcare. (Telehealth, Home Care, etc.) 7. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Advocating for projects that align with community needs and enhancement. b. Providing input on development plans and mobilize community support for revitalization and beautification efforts. 8. Community Organizations could consider: a. Partnering with municipalities and working with local relevant agencies to explore the development and/or delivery of programs that address adequate access to health care services, enhanced and improved health care services and physical, mental, and psychological well-being. b. Advocating for the needs of the community in matters related to recreation facility development and management. c. Collaborating with municipalities, businesses, and others who can help and share resources to improve, maintain and increase accessibility for recreation facilities. 32

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9. The Private Sector could consider: a. Partnering with the provincial government, municipalities, and community organizations to identify if there are opportunities to have public-private partnerships to maintain or even develop essential services and facilities in the areas that are underserved. Increasing Community Livability & Civic Pride “The physical character and the feel of a neighborhood have a great deal to do with each other, and neighborhood beautification isn’t just a matter of impressing the neighbors or trying to make everything “perfect.” It affects the way people interact (with each other), and the way they feel not only about their neighborhood, but about themselves and their neighbors. As a result, it can make a huge difference in the quality of life in a neighborhood or a city.”27 This quote comes from one of hundreds of documents, studies, and toolboxes available online that emphasize the importance of a community’s outward appearance. Yet, in Northwestern Ontario we see brownfield properties sit ignored or abandoned for years (decades even). We see roadside infrastructure decaying and important properties left undeveloped or underdeveloped. By not treating this visual decay as the emergency it is, the message we send to ourselves and to others is one of either incapacity or indifference. That needs to change.

Goal 5: Improve the public “face” of our region so that: • By 2030 50% of Northwestern Ontario’s communities should have completed an entrance, rehabilitation, and beautification project. • By 2035 100% of Northwestern Ontario’s communities should have done so. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and/or the Ontario Ministry of Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to match local funding commitments for Community Improvement Plan funding. b. Advocate to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to continue with grants under their Community Enhancement Program to assist communities in improving the first impression of their community through beautification grants.28

27

https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/physical-social-environment/neighborhood-beautificationprograms/main#:~:text=Neighborhood%20beautification%20can%20improve%20neighborhood,both%20physical%20and%20psych ological%20health. 28 https://kenoraonline.com/2024/03/15/68483/

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2. Province of Ontario should: a. Provide funding for these new revitalization and beautification projects around Northwestern Ontario. b. Should take steps to implement penalties (up to and including forfeiture) for failure by property owners to take reasonable and timely steps to remediate, repurpose, or sell brownfield, neglected, or abandoned properties around the region under relevant provincial legislation.
3. Canada should: a. Should take steps to implement penalties (up to and including forfeiture) for failure by property owners to take reasonable and timely steps to remediate, repurpose, or sell brownfield, neglected, or abandoned properties around the region under relevant federal legislation.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Working with neighbouring municipalities to promote regional beautification initiatives. b. Having policies or plans in place for the Band to assume control of neglected, abandoned, or brownfield sites where the current owner/occupier fails to take reasonable and timely steps to remediate or repurpose the property to a productive use.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Developing a Community Beautification and Improvement Plan and implement it. b. Working on developing the Trans-Canada highway corridor into a destination/stopping place by providing businesses along the highway with information on the region and local communities. c. Advocating to the province and to federal authorities for strengthened enforcement powers to address failures by property owners to maintain or develop key lots or prominent locations. d. Taking whatever enforcement action, they can, to address failure by property owners to take reasonable and timely steps to remediate, repurpose, or sell brownfield, neglected, or abandoned properties in their community. e. Developing a vacant land and buildings registration bylaw with associated fees and penalties. f. Developing incentives in partnership with the province to encourage property owners to quickly sell brownfield or otherwise undeveloped or underdeveloped land to other parties. These incentives, whether in the form of priority review of other development proposals, reduced municipal charges, or other direct incentives should be designed to reduce over time. This would incentivize prompt action by property owners.

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Staying Connected in an Online World Reliable and consistent cell service has become an important aspect of our everyday life. In Northwestern Ontario, where vast distances and small communities are the norm, staying connected is a priority that should not be ignored. As shown in Figure 6 the Long-Term Evolution (LTE or 4th generation cellular) coverage in Northwestern Ontario continues to have gaps and consistency challenges. Consistent and reliable service are lifelines to communication, healthcare, business, and emergency services while travelling in the region. Figure 6- 2014- 2019 Expansion of LTE coverage 29

29

https://crtc.gc.ca/cartovista/LTEOverTheYearsYE2019_EN/index.html

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Figure 7- Northwestern Ontario Internet Access Map 30

As Figure 7 shows, it is not only cellular infrastructure that is lacking in Northwestern Ontario. Outside of major population centres access to the expected standard of internet download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps is non-existent for almost half of the population.31 Not only is this problematic for the residents but it is also a barrier to health care, tourism and business activity. Visitors expect to be connected to the world, no matter where they are.

Goal 6: Continue to improve high speed internet and cellular access throughout Northwestern Ontario so that: • By 2025 100% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to internet services with download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps.

30 31

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=27c55b431b91419f9e0cd9015b3c6e4f https://connectednorth.ca/northern-ontario-broadband-report-2023/

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• By 2030 100% of communities with a population greater than 10,000 have access to internet services with download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 30 Mbps. • By 2035 75% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to internet services with download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 30 Mbps. • By 2025 all remaining gaps in cellular coverage along the primary32 and secondary33 highway systems have been measured and accurately mapped based on direct measurement and not tower range estimation. • By 2030 50% of the identified cellular coverage gaps by confirmed coverage from a least two national cellular networks. • By 2035 100% of primary and secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario have confirmed coverage for their full length from at least two national cellular networks. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for policies and funding to support these infrastructure, telecommunication, and utilities infrastructure enhancements. b. Promote, celebrate, and support partnerships among municipalities, utility providers, the provincial and federal governments, First Nations, and telecommunication companies. c. Advocate for the expansion of broadband in underserved areas and to increase the broadband capacity in residential and urban center across Northwestern Ontario. d. Advocate for funding for the expansion and enhancement of high-speed internet in Northwestern Ontario. e. Showcase the importance of high-speed internet in our communities for economic development and quality of life.

Primary Highways: These highways form the “primary” route through Northwestern Ontario, specifically: o Highway 17 from the Manitoba border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11/17 from Shabaqua Corners to Sistonens Corner o Highway 102 from Sistonens Corner to Thunder Bay o Highway 11/17 from Thunder Bay to Nipigon o Highway 17 from Nipigon to White River 33 Secondary Highways: These highways serve or connect “larger” population centres that are not on or proximate to a primary highway to the primary system, specifically: o Highway 11 from the US border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11 from Nipigon to the Thunder Bay census division boundary 32

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f.

Foster collaboration between Connected North, municipalities, provincial government for the improvement of high-speed internet.

2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Make efforts to map broadband/cellular access gaps and areas of underservices assessing on the ground service for emergency calling capacities and the level of reliability of regular phone service in Northwestern Ontario. b. Expand cell service across the transportation network, with emphasis placed on areas where there are current gaps in service, such as Marathon-White River and Hearst-Longlac. c. Develop a plan to achieve 100% emergency coverage on all highway 11/17 corridor and major arterial roads within the next 5 years. d. Work with First Nations communities and organizations to develop strategies to address disparities in broadband/cellular access. This should involve exploring the need for improved consultation as well as improved monitoring and oversight of service providers to ensure that the application and billing models are responsive to the needs of First Nations communities. e. Invest in new, improved, and rehabilitated rest areas that have good cell coverage areas and including signage that encourages people to stop if they need to use their cell phone. f. Ensure that efforts to map broadband/cellular access gaps and areas of underservice involve assessing on the ground service for reliability of regular phone service and emergency calling capability.
3. Canada should: a. Allocate funding and resources to support infrastructure projects in Northwestern Ontario and rural communities. b. Develop policies and regulations to incentivize telecommunication companies to expand coverage to our region specifically. c. Provide support for planning and coordination efforts led by municipalities, utility providers and any organization working in any type of project for this. d. Fund projects to bring broadband and cellular coverage to rural, remote, and Northern communities (underserved communities across Northwestern Ontario). e. Expand broadband service across Northwestern Ontario’s Road network, including roads connecting rural communities and First Nation communities, to ensure that Northwestern Ontario is prepared to adopt emerging transportation technologies such as connected and automated vehicles at the same rate as the rest of Ontario.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Working with service providers, municipalities, and any other stakeholder to develop strategies to address disparities in broadband/cellular access. b. Partnering with energy companies to pursue projects that promote First Nation economic sustainability, revenue generation, employment, and contracting opportunities for First Nation businesses. 38

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c. Working with the province to develop strategies to address disparities in broadband/cellular access. This should involve exploring the need for improved consultation as well as improved monitoring and oversight of service providers to ensure that the application and billing models are responsive to the needs of First Nations communities. 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Identifying areas where cellular network coverage is lacking or insufficient within the municipality. b. Working with NOMA, the province, the federal government, First Nations, and each other to provide collective feedback on infrastructure improvement plans and needed priority enhancements. c. Participate in partnerships among municipalities, utility providers, the provincial or federal governments, First Nations and telecommunication companies. d. Collaborating with internet service providers, provincial and federal governments, and other agencies to coordinate expansion projects for high-speed internet access in all Northwestern Ontario communities. e. Advocating for funding to the provincial and federal government for broadband access in rural and remote communities. 6. The Private Sector could consider: a. Coordinating with telecommunication companies and any other necessary authority to leverage existing infrastructure and minimize costs. b. Providing the installation of utilities infrastructure needed to support telecommunication enhancements along main highways and needed areas in Northwestern Ontario. c. Investing in expanding cellular network coverage along main highways in Northwestern Ontario. d. Collaborating with NOMA and other stakeholders to identify areas in need of coverage improvements. e. Ensuring that all safe pull-off sites and rest areas are covered by cellular service. f. Participating in cost-sharing initiatives to fund infrastructure enhancements. g. Working with ISPs to build and maintain broadband networks and provide services. h. Investing in infrastructure upgrades for better high-speed internet services for all residential and urban centers in the region. i. Providing affordable and reliable high-speed internet services to all individuals in Northwestern Ontario.

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Focus for Action 3 – Infrastructure & Public Services Locations with adequate roads, water, wastewater, electric, gas and broadband in place (or in progress) are much more appealing than a county or town that needs to start from scratch. – Currituck Economic Development Reliable and Affordable Energy Northwestern Ontario holds great renewable energy potential including wind, solar, biomass, district heat opportunities, and hydroelectric power. Energy infrastructure and energy are a foundation for the region’s economic growth and development. A significant portion of the Northwest is served by radial lines with no redundancy in the event of forest fire, ice storms or even vehicle accidents severing the supply. Those radial lines are at or near capacity and are some of the oldest in Ontario. Northwestern Ontario, which saw a significant decline in electrical demand due to the collapse of the Forest Industry and the closure of a number of small and large energy users, is now facing a significant growth in that demand. With 40 mining projects under some form of consideration and many of them becoming operating mines, the surplus of electrical power will quickly see the system operating at or beyond capacity. To this end, the Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force has identified geographic areas where the existing electrical infrastructure will be unable to accommodate any increase in electrical demand and NOMA has for years advocated with the Ontario Government and its agencies to meet this demand in a timely manner. Solutions include significant expansion or upgrade to existing radial transmission lines or the establishment of additional non-carbon emitting generation within the growth area.

Goal 7: Continue to enhance and improve the electrical transmission infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2030 all communities at the end of existing radial lines will either have parallel/looped transmission lines in place or sufficient local generation has been established to provide a second source of supply. • By 2030 25% of the transmission and distribution lines identified as having “aged out”34 will have been replaced. • By 2035 all of remaining transmission and distribution lines that have “aged out” will have been replaced.

“Aged out” meaning being incapable of safely and affordably meeting at least 80% of current demand due to physical or technological deterioration. 34

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• By 2035 a plan is in place to replace/upgrade transmission and distribution lines going forward so that we do not find ourselves being serviced by “aged out” infrastructure in the future. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for policies and funding to support these infrastructure investments by both the province and by Canada. b. Promote, celebrate, and support partnerships among municipalities, utility providers, and the provincial government. c. Advocate for the expansion of transmission and generation in underserved areas. d. Advocate for funding for the expansion and enhancement of transmission and generation in Northwestern Ontario. e. Showcase the importance of reliable, modern, and sufficient transmission and generation capacity in our communities for economic development and quality of life.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Undertake an approach to energy planning that supports regional needs by including flexible options that effectively address the unique needs and priorities of all communities, including those not connected to the grid, and well as the industrial sectors in Northwestern Ontario. b. Continue to support and encourage innovation in local energy generation and reduced consumption through supporting research, direct investment in pilot projects, and amendments to regulations and planning rules to facilitate innovation and experimentation. c. Work with Ontario Power Authority and licensed transmission and distribution companies to identify investment opportunities in the Northwestern Ontario system to bring reliable energy into the region and meet the new and growing demands.
3. Canada should: a. Create an electricity strategy to help coordinate funding for rural, small, and northern communities to build infrastructure projects across these communities in Canada. b. Provide funding for the replacement of aging transmission and distribution lines and for the creation of new parallel transmission lines. c. Introduce more programs that can help reduce the costs of new electricity generation and protect ratepayers, specifically in Northern communities. d. Cutting red tape and creating more streamlined approvals processes and fairer pricing for the use of provincial-territorial transmission capacity.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Advocating for policies and funding to support these infrastructure investments by both Ontario and Canada.

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b. Promoting, celebrating, and supporting partnerships among First Nations, municipalities, utility providers, and the provincial and federal governments. c. Partnering with established transportation businesses to consider offering services to the region. d. Advocating for the expansion of transmission and generation in underserved areas. e. Advocating for funding for the expansion and enhancement of transmission and generation in Northwestern Ontario. f. Showcasing the importance of reliable, modern, and sufficient transmission and generation capacity for economic development and quality of life. 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their residents of expanded transmission and generation. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to the commercial bottom line of their local businesses through expanded transmission and generation. 6. Institutions could consider: a. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/students/users of expanded transmission and generation. 7. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/users/members of expanded transmission and generation. 8. The Private Sector could consider: a. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/users of expanded transmission and generation. b. Investing in local generation projects especially in the areas of wind, solar, biomass, district heat opportunities, and hydroelectric power. Accessible, Affordable Mass Transit Between Centers

The following is an excerpt from the Executive Summary of “The Future of Inter-Community Bus Service in Northwestern Ontario” published by Common Voice Northwest in 2015. In the summer of 2015 three interconnected decisions were made which triggered a reaction by the leadership of Northwestern Ontario. The first was the release of the Mandate Letter for the Minister of Transportation for Ontario that directed him to “develop recommendations on modernizing and appropriately regulating the intercity bus regime to ensure it remains an attractive and affordable travel option for Ontarians.” The second was the posting on the Environmental Bill of Rights web site that the Province was seeking comment on “how people travel between communities by intercity bus in this province.” The third event was the announcement by Greyhound Bus that they were cutting their service through the Northwest in half. The bad news is that things have gotten worse since then. Greyhound terminated all services in the Northwest in 2018. The good news is that things have also improved. Kaspar 42

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Transportation, a private operator in the Northwest has expanded services since 2015 and the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) implemented a route from Sudbury to Winnipeg in early 2020. That service provides inter community transportation to western communities on both highway 11 and 17 and highway 17 to the east. The ONTC service does not, however, meet the daily needs of residents of the smaller communities seeking health care and other services in Thunder Bay. The current western route is circular, starting in Thunder Bay heading west to Emo, then North to Kenora and eventually east to Thunder Bay creating an extended time on the bus for passengers from the small communities. Yet, the priorities outlined in Figure 8 (an image taken from that 2015 report) still remain largely unmet.

ONTC only provides service on Highway 17 along the North Shore, leaving Highway 11 through Greenstone without service, even though service is provided by ONTC to Hearst from the east.

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Figure 8- Northern Ontario’s Passenger Transportation Services

Goal 8: Continue to improve scheduled mass transit between communities in Northwestern Ontario so that: • By 2030, a 7-day a week, same-day, inter-community bus service is in place between: o Emo and Thunder Bay o Winnipeg and Thunder Bay o Greenstone (Longlac) and Thunder Bay o White River and Thunder Bay • The link between Northwestern Ontario and Northeastern Ontario is maintained but shortened to run from White River to Sault St Marie (and beyond). • By 2035 a separate community shuttle service is in place to feed passengers located on secondary highways into the primary Northwest intercommunity bus service. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub in meetings or briefings with local MPs and MPPs. 44

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b. Promote the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub in meetings with key provincial or federal ministers. c. Invite their partners, when appropriate, to join a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. 2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Allocate funding and resources to support the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. b. Optimize the capacity, efficiency, and safety of the existing transportation systems. c. Strengthen the linkages between major centers and rural and remote communities in Northwestern Ontario by working on intercommunity transportation. 3. Canada should: a. Allocate funding and resources to support the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. b. Partner with the province to optimize the capacity, efficiency, and safety of the existing highway systems. 4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their community members of expanded daily bus service. 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. 6. Major Institutions could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/students/users of expanded daily bus service. c. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their operational bottom line of increased usage of their services by users of an expanded daily bus service.

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7. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Advocating for the expansion of ONTC operations to Northwestern Ontario including the construction of a regional garage/service hub. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/students/users/residents of expanded daily bus service. c. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to the commercial bottom line of their members or other local businesses entities of increased usage of their services by users of an expanded daily bus service. More Welcoming Roads Means More Welcoming Communities Despite all the GPS technology available to travellers, there’s nothing like wayfinding signage to assure you of your destination. Or that you’re heading in the correct direction. It can also provide a sense of security. And for residents, signage can instill a sense of pride in the community and sometimes even raise their awareness as to the amenities within their own community.35 This is the opening paragraph from a 2020 article entitled “Wayfinding Strategy to be a Key to Tourism Success in the North”. If you read the article, you may be shocked to discover that it is about a wayfinding strategy developed in 2014. A strategy that saw a pilot project funded by FedNor in 2017. Worse, if you travel in Northwestern Ontario, you will quickly discover that signage and wayfinding remain major obstacles to identifying and accessing the vast and varied array of services and experiences located here. It is time to move beyond pilots to a focused, resourced, and region wide effort to address the signing gap between what people expect and receive in Southern Ontario and what we see in Northwestern Ontario.

Goal 9: Continue to make the primary and secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario safer and more welcoming by ensuring that: • By 2030 at least 75% of the communities accessible from the primary highway network and 50% of those accessible from the secondary highway network should have signage similar or equivalent to that on Highway 401 for services, attractions, and facilities at highway intersections. • By 2035 at least 90% of the communities accessible from the primary highway network and 80% of those accessible from the secondary highway network should have signage similar or equivalent to that on Highway 401 for services, attractions, and facilities at highway intersections.

35

https://destinationnorthernontario.ca/wayfinding-strategy-to-be-a-key-to-tourism-success-in-the-north/

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• By 2030 100% of the communities on the primary highway network and 100% of those on the secondary highway network should have distance-to-service warnings for gas, restaurant, accommodation, and comfort facilities immediately before entering each municipality or settlement. • By 2030 100% of the primary highway network should have access to functional and well-equipped year-round facilities (public or private) with restrooms at intervals no greater than 100km. • By 2035 100% of the secondary highway network should have access to functional and well-equipped year-round facilities (public or private) with restrooms at intervals no greater than 100km. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for funding for road signage improvement along Northwestern Ontario highways. b. Provide input on signage placement and designs to reflect the communities needs all around Northwestern Ontario. c. Collaborate with municipalities and other stakeholders to prioritize the advocacy of signage improvement projects along Northwestern Ontario highways.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Reassess the value and relevance of the Tourism Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) program as a means to deliver appropriate and affordable signage in Northwestern Ontario. b. Improve highway and road signage, including directional, wayfinding and highway advertising for tourism amenities. Increase the use of live signage and near real-time road information systems, including through an assessment of technology and processes used in other jurisdictions to better inform drivers of road and weather conditions and to reduce road closure time due to vehicle collisions. c. Provide funding to municipalities located on single-laned portions along the Highway 11 and 17 corridors to increase the number of road signs at strategic locations within municipal boundaries. d. Make improvements on the following rest areas: Highway 17, 1.3 km east of the Ontario-Manitoba border and Highway 11, 8 km east of Hwy 664. e. Create 8 additional areas for new and enhanced safe Pull-Off areas, that have the amenities necessary to match service levels of Southern Ontario, targeting areas with long stretches with no rest areas currently available. f. Consult with municipalities on the location of new facilities to ensure the alignment of investment; and 47

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g. Ensure all new and existing rest areas are properly maintained and supplied (e.g., ensuring regular cleaning and sufficient supply of garbage bins, toilet paper, etc.). h. Ensure data on alternative washroom locations, such as provincial park facilities, is available on Ontario 511 so that these facilities can help fill gaps between rest areas. i. Once installed, ensure highway signage, facilities, and other infrastructure is properly monitored and maintained. 3. Canada should: a. Allocate funding for highway and road signage improvement in Northwestern Ontario. b. Coordinate planning efforts with municipalities to bring more roadside signage into Northwestern Ontario highways. 4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Working with municipalities to provide input on road signage improvement plans along the region’s Highways. b. Collaborating on projects that are relevant to road signage improvement. c. Working in collaboration with municipalities to install signage across Northwestern Ontario’s transportation and trail network that acknowledges traditional and local Indigenous territory. 5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Advocating to the Federal and Provincial Government for road signage improvement and constant updating of information. b. Advocating for funding for the increase of number of road signs at strategic locations within municipal boundaries. c. Collaborating in projects regarding road signage improvement in Northwestern Ontario. d. Working with an important organization (Tourism organization) to identify signage on important tourist attractions and so they can provide feedback on needs for any tourist related signage along the highways. With defined rules and a plan for signage design, placement, and language. e. Applying to Destination Northern Ontario for funding to develop and implement wayfinding strategy. f. Creating better directional signage in and around the community directing residents and tourists to key attractions that are currently not well signed. This will also help to improve linkages to the lake and trails throughout the region.

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Focus For Action 4 – Access to Market People across Northern Ontario rely on the transportation network each and every day – whether you’re a student in Sudbury, a business owner in Thunder Bay or an Elder in Whitesand First Nation, it needs to be as easy, convenient, and safe as possible to get where you need to go. – Northern Ontario Transportation Plan, Ontario Ministry of Transportation Multiple explorations of the transportation and communication networks in Northwestern Ontario have demonstrated that it is not “easy, convenient, and as safe as possible to get where you need to go” here in Northwestern Ontario.36 While progress has been made on many fronts, there continue to be multiple issues in need of urgent and significant action:

1. Ongoing overdependence on increasingly unreliable winter roads to support remote northern First Nations. And,
2. Inferior and dangerous highway infrastructure.
3. Ongoing decline in the availability, quality and quantity of air service to and around the region.
4. Limited and uninformative road signage and wayfinding. Improving Links to the far North Traditionally, between January and March remote communities in Northwestern Ontario depend on a network of winter roads for the delivery of fuel, food, construction material and other essentials. As of early January 2024, twenty First Nations in Northern Ontario were still unreachable by winter road. Ten others were reachable only by light vehicles, and only one had a winter road connection open to full loads such as semi-trucks.37 Impassable winter roads saw leaders of Nishnawbe Aski Nation declare a state of emergency. That action came after four northern Manitoba First Nations also declared a state of emergency over a failing road network in the region. Relying on the existing winter road network is no longer an option and new technologies, like modern airships, are not yet ready to fill the gap. Winter roads must, where possible, and where supported by the communities to be served, be upgraded to all weather roads. Meanwhile, greater air capacity must also be made available, and that means extending northern runways.

Cite – CVNW inter-city bus study, province’s multi modal transportation study, NPI’s asset inventories, Blue Sky nets internet data, and the work of the Northern Transportation Task Force 37 https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/impassable-winter-roads-create-dire-situation-for-ontario-first-nations-nan-1.6763990 36

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Figure 10- Northern Ontario Winter Roads Map

Goal 10: Improve affordability, reliability, and safety of connections to remote communities in Norhwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2030, 3 remote runways in Northwestern Ontario have been extended by a minimum of 500 meters provided the community supports such an extension. • By 2035, at least 5 more remote runways in Northwestern Ontario have been extended by a minimum of 500 meters provided the community supports such an extension. • By 2030 at least 200 kilometers of “winter roads” have been upgraded to “all season” roads provided the affected communities support such infrastructure investments. • By 2035 at least another 200 kilometers of “winter roads” have been upgraded to “all season” roads provided the affected communities support such infrastructure investments. 50

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Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Reach out to First Nations leaders to ask them to identify priority investments for runway extension and road infrastructure to address the ongoing decline of winter roads. b. Advocate for federal and provincial investments to address the gaps identified by First Nations partners.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Improve highway minimum maintenance standards on Highways 11 and 17, including through highway reclassification or development of new highway classification category for Highway 11/17. b. Improve maintenance along extensions of the Provincial Highway network, such as the Northern Ontario Resource Trail Road beyond Pickle Lake connecting remote communities to the winter road network. c. Improve road signage on Northern Ontario’s transportation network to better manage traffic flow and improve road safety, including along winter roads connecting remote First Nations. d. Increase the availability of all-season rest areas in Northern Ontario to ensure that commercial drivers transporting goods in winter have a safe place to pull over. e. Increase funding for the Winter Roads Program and expand project eligibility.
3. Canada should: a. Where the affected communities support such investments, partner with First Nations and the province to make major investments in extending runways in remote communities in Northwestern Ontario. b. Where the affected communities support such investments, partner with First Nations and the province to improve air traffic, weather, and safety equipment at remote airports in Northwestern Ontario
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Sitting down with NOMA to identify priority investments for runway extension and road infrastructure to address the ongoing decline of winter roads. b. Use NOMA’s voice to amplify the voices of First Nations in advocating for federal and provincial investments to address the gaps identified by First Nations partners. c. Advocating to the Provincial government to increase project funding of the Winter Roads Program.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Working with Indigenous communities to extend winter roads, aid with planning and preliminary construction where feasible.

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b. Working with Indigenous communities by sharing and creating bridge design studies and road routing studies, with the intent to support and advance all-season road development. c. Working with NOMA and Indigenous communities to identify priority investments for runway extension and road infrastructure to address the ongoing decline of winter roads. d. Advocating to the Province though NOMA for the improvement of affordable, reliable, and safe connection of remote communities. Improving Road Safety and Capacity After almost a decade of effort by the Going the Extra Mile for Safety (GEMS) Committee of the Temiskaming Shores and Area Chamber of Commerce the province of Ontario announced in 2022 that they will do a pilot of a 2+1 highway in Northeastern Ontario. “A 2+1 highway is a three-lane highway with a centre passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometres”. A 2+1 configuration will often include a centre barrier for extra safety. The highway model is used in other jurisdictions around the world and is more cost efficient than twinning a highway.”38 Design work is underway with construction expected in 2025 and then pilot assessment and eventual decisions about scaling up to wider or general use to follow at some future date. In 2023 Northern Policy Institute (NPI) called for this timeline to be significantly accelerated. Referencing already available data and analysis from multiple countries NPI pointed out that the 2+1 model is well understood in all climates, is just as safe as 4-lane twinned highways and can be built more quickly and at a fraction off the cost of divided highways.39 Their conclusion was that existing twinning projects should be completed but that the federal and provincial governments should enter into a major partnership to complete a 2+1 expansion from the Manitoba border to existing highways connecting northern Ontario to Toronto and Ottawa at the earliest completion date possible.

Goal 11: Accelerate improvements to the safety and capacity of the highway system in Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2030 all current twinning projects that have passed the preliminary planning stage as of 2025 are completed. • By 2030 plans are in place to implement a 2 plus1 highway system for the entire length of any un-twinned sections of the primary highways40 from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie 38

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002467/ontario-moving-ahead-with-first-ever-21-highway-in-north-america www.northernpolicy.ca/upload/documents/eng_cost-of-highways-paper-layout-23-11-.pdf Primary Highways: These highways form the “primary” route through Northwestern Ontario, specifically: o Highway 17 from the Manitoba border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11/17 from Shabaqua Corners to Sistonens Corner o Highway 102 from Sistonens Corner to Thunder Bay o Highway 11/17 from Thunder Bay to Nipigon o Highway 17 from Nipigon to White River

39 40

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• By 2040 a 2 plus1 highway system is in place for the entire length of any un-twinned sections of the primary highways from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie • By 2035 plans are in place to implement a 2 plus1 highway system for the entire length of the secondary highways41 in Northwestern Ontario. • By 2045 a 2 plus1 highway system is in place for the entire length of the secondary highways in Northwestern Ontario. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Prioritize the introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario in meetings or briefings with local MPs and MPPs. b. Prioritize the introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario in meetings or briefings with key provincial or federal ministers. c. Invite their partners, when appropriate, to join a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need to prioritize the introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.
2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Partner with Canada to fund the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.
3. Canada should: a. Partner with the province of Ontario to fund the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their community members of the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.

Secondary Highways: These highways serve or connect “larger” population centres that are not on or proximate to a primary highway to the primary system, specifically: o Highway 11 from the US border to Shabaqua Corners o Highway 11 from Nipigon to the Thunder Bay census division boundary 41

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5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their residents of the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.
6. Major Institutions could consider: a. Participating, at least once a year, in a letter writing campaign to local MPs, MPPs and key ministers to emphasize the need for the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario. b. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their clients/students/users of the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario. c. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their operational bottom line of the expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario.
7. The Private Sector could consider: a. Analysing and publicly stating the potential value to their customers expedited introduction and expansion of a 2+1 highway system in Northwestern Ontario. Reverse The Decline of Regional Air Services In the final months of 2023, it has become evident that air service in Northwestern Ontario is facing a live or die inflection point. The 2020 COVID pandemic and the many retirements and shutdowns of airlines and air training facilities has created a shortage of pilots and pilot training facilities. That shortage was made worse by new rules intended to reduce fatigue related risk by increasing mandatory pilot rest periods.42 This pilot shortage has combined with other factors, like high inflation and increased reluctance to fly post-COVID to see airlines cutting routes and reducing service.43 Finally, many municipalities are facing increased costs across the board, particularly in the face of the national housing crisis. Municipal airports find themselves even lower on the priority list for local budget allocations for operation and maintenance, let alone capital upgrades.44 Figure 12 showing the decline in arrivals and departures at just one airport, Dryden municipal, in the last decade is indicative of the region wide decline.

42

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/airlines-vital-to-life-in-the-north-facing-headwinds-from-worker-shortages-1.6300374 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/bearskin-flights-discontinued-1.7085282 https://www.northernontariobusiness.com/industry-news/transportation/future-of-airports-is-up-in-the-air-says-advocacy-group8168044 43 44

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Figure 12- Arrivals and Departures in Dryden Airport 2013-2023

Goal 12: Enhance the viability and sustainability of municipal airports throughout Northwestern Ontario by ensuring that: • By 2025 100% of municipal airports can qualify for federal or provincial capital and operating assistance. • By 2030 at least 75% of municipal airports have regularly scheduled service for at least six months of the year. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate to the Federal and Provincial government for funding for the expansion of the airports in the region and for funding that helps alleviate operational and capital costs.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Fund the infrastructure needed to encourage development and use of municipal airports. b. Work to grow and diversify the air transportation in rural and remote communities. c. Meet with air operators (passenger and cargo) to identify barriers to market entry by these firms and to explore options to offset, reduce, or remove these barriers.

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3. Canada should: a. Review existing air transportation funding models to ensure adequate financial support for both airport and air service providers. b. Increase capital funding and federal funding so it contributes to operating costs of remote airports in Northwestern Ontario. c. Improve standards for remote airports in Northwestern Ontario to ensure that the airports are equipped with official aircraft de-icing services and have enhanced operational efficiency. d. Explore operational funding support, particularly for those municipal airports that provide critical delivery functions for public services such as critical emergency services. e. Develop options for capital assistance funding program to support infrastructure needs of smaller and medium sized municipal airports; and f. Conduct surveys of municipal airports every 5 years to track improvements and identify priorities. g. Meet with air operators (passenger and cargo) to identify barriers to market entry by these firms and to explore options to offset, reduce, or remove these barriers.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Advocating to the Federal and Provincial government for funding for the expansion of the airport in the region and for funding that helps alleviate operational and development costs.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Advocating to the Federal and Provincial government for funding for the expansion of the airport in the region. b. Providing any input and assistance on Airport development plans. c. Collaborating with airport operators, airlines, contractors, and any relevant individual for the enhancement of airport capacity and the reduction of operational costs in Northwestern Ontario.
6. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Identifying infrastructure needs and creating a plan for infrastructure upgrades. b. Extending runway lengths at Northwestern Ontario remote airports to help increase airport capacity, enable larger planes to access, improve goods movements, reduce cargo costs, and increase emergency response capabilities. c. Consulting with municipalities, businesses, agencies, and other organizations that support air connections to the airports. d. Implementing Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance approaches for the northern remote airports to improve situational awareness for pilots, reduce missed approaches and increase access safety.

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7. The Private Sector could consider: a. Analyze and report on the negative impacts on their business bottom line of declining air access and reduced scheduled services. b. Analyze and report on the potential positive impacts on their business bottom line of reversing the decline in air access and reduced scheduled services. c. Meet with federal and provincial representatives to identify barriers to market entry by air cargo and air passenger services and to explore options to offset, reduce, or remove these barriers.

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Focus for Action 5 - Housing Housing is a fundamental part of the economy; it contributes to the wellbeing and safety of the communities in the region. Increasing the number of residents living in Northwestern Ontario communities and urban areas is essential for growth and their function as economic and social centres for the surrounding rural areas. Getting the right housing, as well as affordable housing, is essential to attract and retain skills that will keep Northwestern Ontario profitable and growing. Beyond providing shelter, it influences population dynamics, employment markets, stability in the community and population behavior making it something fundamental for the region. Seniors Showcased in Figure 3, Northwestern Ontario has a greater aging population, except for the district of Kenora, where they have a more sustainable population pattern. Nonetheless, as most of the population in the region ages, the demand for senior housing escalates, making it important to have supported living facilities and senior complexes in place.

Goal 13: Continue to improve housing accessible to seniors so that: • By 2030, 50% of municipalities with more than 1000 in population should have at least one senior’s complex with access to reasonable assisted living supports. • By 2035, 75% of municipalities with more than 1000 in population should have at least one senior’s complex with access to reasonable assisted living supports. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate to the province and federal government for funding regarding assisted living facilities for seniors. b. Advocate for affordable social and senior housing in the region.
2. Province of Ontario should: a. Fund plan development for seniors housing development and assisted living opportunities. b. Create different funding for rural and remote communities for senior housing development in the North. c. Provide programs that facilitate aging at home to allow seniors to live healthy, independent lives in the comfort and dignity of their own homes.
3. Canada should: a. Fund plan development for seniors housing development and assisted living opportunities. b. Create different funding for rural and remote communities for senior housing development in the North. 58

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4. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Identifying opportunities for supportive housing. b. Exploring funding opportunities for living facilities and supported accommodations for seniors in the community. c. Advocating for affordable social senior housing to be developed in Northwestern Ontario. d. Expediting the permit processes for senior construction residence projects and providing zoning approvals for assisted living facilities for seniors. e. Assessing current bylaws to determine if any can be amended to be more supportive of residential development. f. Working with the province to offer financial initiatives or grants for developers to come to Northwestern Ontario and build here. g. Coordinating with assisted living facilities and transportation services to provide access to public transit or specialized transportation options for senior residents in these facilities. h. Providing information on how residents could make their current homes more seniorfriendly to allow them to stay in their homes for longer.
5. Major Institutions could consider: a. Identifying the needs of seniors in the community regarding housing. b. Providing input on facility design and services for assisted living facilities for senior residents of the community.
6. The Private Sector could consider: a. Identifying suitable sites for residential development according to senior housing standards. b. Partnering with municipalities to communicate the land development opportunities for senior housing and c. Collaborating with healthcare providers on the facilities requirements to maintain the best and comfortable environment for seniors. d. Submitting the proposals to the municipalities for possible land repurposing projects.

Affordable Housing for At Risk Populations Northwestern Ontario’s landscape, low population density, high cost of construction in the smaller communities and weather conditions can create and bring challenges in building affordable housing for the region. For small towns where a certain population is growing and homes are not keeping pace, the support for affordable and accessible housing is essential. Certain groups in our communities are more likely to experience homelessness and housing insecurity. These include, low-income households, homeless individuals, newcomers, and many others. Therefore, getting the right housing, affordable housing, is essential to protect, attract and retain our population to keep our region profitable and growing. High demand for affordable 59

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housing comes from the influx of students to Thunder Bay specifically. Northwestern Ontario has a higher percentage of older housing, and houses continue to deteriorate and be removed from the market. Making this an issue that is essential to tackle and address the affordable housing for individuals.

Goal 14: Continue to improve housing for at-risk populations so that: • By 2030 municipalities with a population greater than 10,000 have the ability to house at least 75% of their previous five-year average of atrisk populations in affordable and supportive housing. • By 2035 municipalities with a population greater than 10,000 have the ability to house at least 90% of their previous five-year average of atrisk populations in affordable and supportive housing. Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for increased financial support from the province and federal government for affordable housing initiatives in Northwestern Ontario. b. Advocate for allocation of funding for housing needs for the at-risk population in Northwestern Ontario. c. Advocate to develop a coordinated housing strategy between federal, provincial, and municipal governments to clearly determine housing solutions.
2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Provide the housing, health, and social services people require to transition out of homelessness into permanent, accessible housing. b. Dedicate funding to meet the housing needs of FNMI people, regardless of their residency. c. Ensure that income security programs provide sufficient benefits to enable people with disabilities, lone-parent families, and other low-income individuals to access housing. d. Work in intergovernmental collaboration, research and innovation, and statistics gathering. e. Ensure the accessibility standards are legally enforceable with the aim of removing and preventing barriers in the built environment for persons with disabilities, and all people who use it. f. Broaden dedicated social and financial support for people with disabilities as well as supportive housing in recognition of their unique needs. g. Increase the percentage of fully accessible units required for new builds to receive federal funding to 100%. h. Develop a coordinated housing strategy with federal and municipal governments to clearly determine housing solutions. 60

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3. Canada should: a. Work with the province to target and sustain investments in affordable housing with the goal of maximizing impact and minimizing the effort needed to identify and access programs. b. Expand long term funding for housing initiatives for creating homes that are affordable and accessible for at-risk populations. c. Provide funding to enable municipalities, non-profits, and co-ops to purchase housing stock and make renovations to aging buildings, which will protect affordable housing, increase non-market housing options, and counter the financialization of housing. d. Provide funding for municipalities, so they can extend and provide shelter and services for at-risk populations. e. Dedicate resources to increasing the supply of adequate and affordable housing for at-risk population over the long term and to preventing the loss of affordable housing. f. Ensure collaboration and coordinated actions with provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments on implementing housing strategies.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Having representation of Indigenous communities at decision-making tables for housing solutions.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Developing a coordinated housing strategy with federal and provincial governments to clearly determine housing solutions. b. Using planning and zoning to prioritize the development and preservation of housing that is affordable and accessible for those at-risk population. c. Ensuring that all new housing starts including at least 30% low income or affordable housing units. d. Supporting affordable and supportive housing development in the region. Housing that is Available and Affordable for Renters & Buyers Northwestern Ontario, relatively speaking, does not have a housing affordability crisis. Housing continues to be much more affordable in Northwestern Ontario than in the rest of the province. According to CMHC, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Thunder Bay in October of 2023 was $1,054, while the average rent for Ontario at that same point was $1,482.45 . CMHC data from 2020 indicates a similar affordability advantage for smaller Northwestern Ontario communities. Sioux Lookout’s average one-bedroom apartment rental price was $925 making it about 15% lower than Thunder Bay, Fort Frances with an average of $801 was 27%

45

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-data/datatables/rental-market/rental-market-report-data-tables

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lower than Thunder Bay, whereas a one-bedroom unit in Dryden was $716 making it about 34% lower than Thunder Bay. Relative price advantages, particularly during a national housing crisis, do not tell the whole story. Yes, it is still cheaper to rent or buy in Northwestern Ontario than elsewhere in the province (a point regional advocates should continue to highlight) but prices are rising. That competitive one-bedroom in Thunder Bay saw its price increase by almost 10% between 2022 and 2023, and prices continue to rise. Additionally, it is not just rental prices that are rising, the median price for a single detached home in Thunder Bay rose 3.6% over that same period.46 In addition to rising prices, renters and buyers are faced with increasing scarcity. By October 2022 vacancy rates in Thunder Bay for all types of apartments had fallen to 1.6%. They have since improved to 2.9%, likely tied to recent additions to the available rental stock.47 Housing starts across Northwestern Ontario continue to be sluggish48 and the number of houses listed for sale continues to fall.49 Housing affordability is also not just about price, it is also about relative share of income. According to Statistics Canada housing is considered unaffordable if it represents more than 30% of a household’s total pre-tax income.50 In 2020 Ontario’s median household income (before taxes) was $91,000. That is considerably higher than the median income in the census districts of Thunder Bay ($79,500), Kenora ($78,500) and Rainy River ($78,000).51 So even a 10% price advantage for housing is offset by the roughly 15% gap in income.

Goal 15: Continue to improve housing affordability in Northwestern Ontario so that: • By 2025 60% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income. • By 2030 80% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income. • By 2035 90% of Northwestern Ontario’s population has access to housing that does not cost more than 30% of their annual income.

46

https://creastats.crea.ca/board/thun https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-data/datatables/rental-market/rental-market-report-data-tables 48 https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/market-reports/housingmarket 49 https://creastats.crea.ca/board/thun 50 https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021016/98-200-X2021016-eng.cfm 51 https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E 47

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Actions in pursuit of this goal

1. In pursuit of this goal NOMA will: a. Advocate for funding to be provided to build the housing needed and to provide the proper infrastructure relating to roads, sewers, affordable home energy, and water supply.
2. The Province of Ontario should: a. Make it easier for local communities to identify and move forward with opportunities to acquire Crown, public, private lands (i.e. former mill properties, brownfield sites, or derelict/abandoned properties) and make them available for municipal and private commercial, residential, and industrial development. b. Offer financial initiatives or grants for developers to come to Northwestern Ontario and build here. c. Continue to expand funding available to municipalities to maintain and expand critical infrastructure needed to support expanded housing supply. d. Protect tenants’ rights and preserve the affordability of rental housing by regulating rent increases for the region. e. Dedicate funding to meet the housing needs of FNMI people, regardless of their residency. f. Facilitate housing development to support regional growth and employee recruitment and retention.
3. Canada should: a. Create different funding for rural and remote communities for housing development in the North.
4. First Nations, and Métis communities could consider: a. Providing input on land repurposing projects that can benefit both municipalities and indigenous communities. b. Collaborating with municipalities, governments and developers on consultation and engagement processes for lands.
5. Individual Municipalities could consider: a. Exploring opportunities to acquire Crown, public, private (i.e. former mill properties, brownfield sites, or derelict/abandoned properties) and make them available for Municipal and private commercial, residential, and industrial development. a. Continuing to work with the province, First Nations, and each other to creatively address the ongoing shortage of Chief Building Officers in Northwestern Ontario. b. Working on accelerating the permit process for building more cost-effective housing projects including multi-unit properties or innovative building materials/approaches. c. Working on improving community design plans, zoning bylaws, property and engineering standards, property tax by-laws and building application process to be able to build more affordable housing in a faster way. 63

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d. Undertaking land use analysis to determine if there is need to develop service lands for residential development. e. Utilizing surplus and vacant lands effectively to increase housing supply and address housing shortages in Northwestern Ontario. Develop a plan to identify and repurpose surplus and vacant lands for residential development within the next 2 years and hit the provincial targets. f. Identifying opportunities to extend municipal services to key municipal surplus lands to enable development and disposition. g. Encouraging use of public vacant land and underutilized lands to enhance their capacity to enhance economic activity. h. Showcasing the opportunities for development on municipal surplus lands. i. Advocating for funding for the development of surplus and vacant municipal lands. j. Working with the province to offer financial initiatives or grants for developers to come to Northwestern Ontario and build here. k. Working on expediting the permit processes for land repurposing projects. 6. Local Agencies & Not for Profits could consider: a. Coordinating with developers, municipalities, and any other stakeholder to build affordable and service housing. b. Providing water, sewer, and electricity services to new residential properties. c. Assessing infrastructure needs for affordable housing projects. d. Collaborating with developers on utility planning for affordable housing. 7. The Private Sector could consider: a. Helping improve the tenant selection system. b. Building housing that is more affordable in Northwestern Ontario by embracing alternative construction processes, multi unit properties or other cost saving solutions. c. Identifying suitable sites for development around the region. d. Ensuring that they are compliant with each municipality’s building codes and most importantly their affordability standards. e. Identifying suitable sites for residential development within vacant and surplus municipal, provincial or federal lands. f. Partnering with municipalities to communicate the land development opportunities for these surplus and vacant lands. g. Collaborating with local governments on land use planning. h. Submitting proposals to municipalities for possible land repurposing projects.

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A Living Plan Reporting on Progress This plan is a roadmap to guide planning, decision making, and concrete actions over the next 10 years in Northwestern Ontario. To succeed, the plan will need to be a “living plan”. It will need to be monitored, discussed, revised, and referenced constantly. A monitoring framework for the plan will mirror the structure of NOMA’s own Strategic Plan. A dedicated page on NOMA’s website will serve as a monitoring section. This page will highlight the strategic goals alongside their deadlines and an update on progress to date. This approach will facilitate transparency. More importantly it will showcase the plan as a living document and ensure a sense of urgency exists where progress on certain goals is not proceeding as expected. That urgency may lead to adjustments in the plan itself, or more intense action by NOMA and its partners to bring actions in line with expectations to ensure the goals are met within the deadlines stated in the plan. Reviewing the Plan The NOMA Board will receive an update on progress against the plan goals at every regular Board meeting going forward. This will allow the NOMA Board to decide if more in depth analysis of plan goals or proposed actions is necessary as a result of changed circumstances. It will also allow the NOMA Board to consider whether more urgent action by NOMA should be undertaken to bring progress back in line with stated goals and plan timelines. NOMA will also host an annual, public, review of the plan in September each year from 2025 to 2035. This will provide an opportunity for exploration of progress against the plan. There would also be presentations by NOMA and any interested partners about actions they have taken (or will be taking) that align with the plan objectives. Collective exploration of current circumstances and changed local, regional, provincial, national, or international conditions could also occur. Any annual revisions to the plan would be informed by the recorded proceedings of this event. The Economic Action Plan Working Group could be maintained throughout this period as a resource to assist NOMA in developing this annual event, compiling feedback, and making annual revisions. At a minimum, a similar working group should be formed at the five-year mark of this plan (2030) and tasked to fully review the plan in the light of the regional context at that time and propose revisions as needed. By doing this, the plan will not lose relevance and it will continue to be aligned with regional priorities, policies, or initiatives.

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Resourcing the Plan It is unreasonable to expect the NOMA Executive Director to monitor progress on this plan in addition to their other responsibilities related to the day-to-day operation of NOMA in representing the interest of its members. When considering the work required to contact, collaborate with, and support the actions of NOMA’s varied partners in pursuit of goals outlined in this regional economic plan the need for additional human resources becomes all too clear. Reporting could, conceivably, be done through the hiring of a summer student each year, provided reporting on the plan was reduced to once a year instead of quarterly. This would limit momentum and reduce the sense of urgency and the capacity for rapid decision making or the seizing of unique opportunities in furtherance of plan goals. To ensure the successful implementation and coordination of this plan, a full-time individual will be needed to serve as plan coordinator. This role will be necessary to ensure regular monitoring of progress against plan goals and actions undertaken in pursuit of those goals. This individual can also ensure that regular publicly available updates about the plan are made to the NOMA Board, NOMA members, and NOMA partners. The Plan Coordinator could also serve as a single point of contact for every individual or organization contributing, directly or indirectly, to progress against the plan. This individual should be tasked to look beyond silos, to share best practices, to communicate success widely, while also assisting (when needed) in identifying resources to overcome barriers. The funding for such a position could be raised in a variety of ways, some of which include: a. A (renewable) 5-year project cost shared three ways between NOMA, FedNor, and NOHFC. b. A campaign seeking contributions from NOMA partners to support the costs of this initiative in two five-year increments. c. A shared position hosted (and funded) on a cyclical basis by NOMA members either individually or as regional groupings.

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Appendix A- About Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association NOMA was organized in 1946, incorporated on September 18th, 2001, and is made up of four components: the Kenora District Municipal Association, the Rainy River District Municipal Association, the Thunder Bay District Municipal League, and the City of Thunder Bay. Other than the City of Thunder Bay, membership is attained by being a member of the district organization. NOMA represents municipalities in Northwestern Ontario from the Manitoba border to the Algoma District border. NOMA’s mission is to “advance the needs of municipal governments whose services contribute greatly to the community well-being in Northwestern Ontario. It will promote activities and support partnerships that contribute to our vibrant and vital region.” NOMA’s vision is to “amplify the collective voice of Northwestern Ontario as a superior place to work, play, and raise families in caring and prosperous communities.” NOMA’s core values and guiding principles are: ● ● ● ● ● ●

NOMA is non-partisan and objective in how it presents itself and undertakes its work. NOMA builds trusting relationships by acting with honesty and integrity. NOMA brings creditable solutions for matters broadly shared by Northwestern Ontario. NOMA communicates appropriately and timely. NOMA values diversity. NOMA attaches importance to partnership and teamwork.

NOMA is a unified voice that plays a vital role in advocating for the needs of the residents in Northwestern Ontario. Through NOMA’s actions, advocacy, and collaboration, it strives to build a region that is vibrant and livable for residents.

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Appendix B- Northwestern Ontario Communities Table 4 - Northwestern Ontario Municipalities 52 Population 2021 Thunder Bay Kenora Kenora, Unorganized Fort Frances Dryden Thunder Bay, Unorganized Oliver Paipoonge Sioux Lookout Greenstone Red Lake Shuniah Marathon Atikokan Neebing Manitouwadge Terrace Bay Nipigon Rainy River, Unorganized Ignace Emo Schreiber Machin

108,843 14,967 7,475 7,466 7,388 6,221 6,035 5,839 4,309 4,094 3,247 3,138 2,642 2,241 1,974 1,528 1,473 1,423 1,206 1,204 1,039 1,012

Index of Remoteness53 0.2953 0.4222 0.4838 0.4708 0.4697 0.4620 NA 0.5071 0.5561 0.5538 0.3138 0.5271 0.5454 0.3300 0.5539 0.6331 0.4288 0.5482 0.5882 0.5068 0.6427 0.5081

Population density54 332.1 70.7 0.02 292.2 112.7 0.1 17.2 15.4 1.6 6.8 5.7 18.8 8.4 2.6 5.6 10.1 13.6 0.1 16.7 6 29 3.5

52

Statistics Canada’s “Index of Remoteness” assesses the relative proximity between a community and other communities. It also accounts for the size of the communities in proximity to each other. A community that is farther away from larger population centres will have a higher index of remoteness Index of Remoteness (statcan.gc.ca), Index of Remoteness 2021: Update with 2021 census geographies and populations (statcan.gc.ca) 53 Index of remoteness is only available for municipalities with a reported population in excess of 1000. 54 Population density is only available for municipalities with a reported population in excess of 1000.

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Table 4 Continuation - Northwestern Ontario Municipalities

Population 2021 Alberton Ear Falls Red Rock Conmee La Vallee Chapple Rainy River Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls O’Connor Morley Gillies Dawson Pickle Lake Dorion Lake of the Woods

55 56

Index of Remoteness55 954 924 895 798 788 763 752 727 689 493 441 399 398 375 308

Index of remoteness is only available for municipalities with a reported population in excess of 1000. Population density is only available for municipalities with a reported population in excess of 1000.

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Appendix C- First Nations in Northwestern Ontario Table 5 - First Nations located in Northwestern Ontario

Sandy Lake 88 Attawapiskat 91A Deer Lake Kasabonika Lake Kitchenuhmaykoosib Aaki 84 Lac Seul 28 Fort Hope 64 Fort William 52 Weagamow Lake 87 Wabaseemoong Webequie Poplar Hill Cat Lake 63C Couchiching 16A Whitefish Bay 32A Sachigo Lake 1 Wunnumin 1 English River 21 Osnaburgh 63B Kingfisher Lake 1 Wapekeka 2 Bearskin Lake Shoal Lake 39A Long Lake 58 Kee-Way-Win Kenora 38B Sabaskong Bay 35D Pic River 50 Fort Severn 89 Summer Beaver Manitou Rapids 11 Slate Falls Whitesand Seine River 23A

57 58

Population 2,100 1586 1,087 1,060 1,029 1,022 977 964 921 815 723 663 651 633 610 608 587 584 524 511 456 447 445 410 409 402 383 372 364 355 300 299 297 270

Population Density58 47.4 905 79.6 10.4 3.7 4.2

Index of remoteness is only available for First Nations with a reported population in excess of 1000. Population density is only available for First Nations with a reported population in excess of 1000.

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Index of Remoteness57 0.5824 0.5831 0.8452 0.6114 0.8678 0.5525

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Table 5 Continuation - First Nations located in Northwestern Ontario. Population Index of Remoteness59 Eagle Lake 27 Big Grassy River 35G Peawanuck Neskantaga Marten Falls 65 Lake Helen 53A Rainy Lake 17A Osnaburgh 63A Ginoogaming First Nation The Dalles 38C Aroland Wabigoon Lake 27 Rat Portage 38A Rainy Lake 26A Rocky Bay 1 Pic Mobert North Saug-A-Gaw-Sing 1 Pic Mobert South Whitefish Bay 34A Rainy Lake 18C Neguaguon Lake 25D Gull River 55 Pays Plat 51 Shoal Lake (Part) 40 Whitefish Bay 33A Ojibway Nation of Saugeen (Savant Lake) Shoal Lake 34B2 Wabauskang 21 Northwest Angle 33B Lake of the Woods 37 Sand Point First Nation Wawakapewin Sturgeon Falls 23 Big Island Mainland 93 Rainy Lake 17B Lansdowne House 59 60

257 251 247 244 243 240 234 233 200 180 178 175 171 158 154 138 136 127 125 125 118 110 100 96 94 88 81 57 52 49 30 16 10 5 5 0

Index of remoteness is only available for First Nations with a reported population in excess of 1000. Population density is only available for First Nations with a reported population in excess of 1000.

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Agency 1 Assabaska Lac des Mille Lacs 22A1 Lake Nipigon Red Rock 35

0 0 0 0 0

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Appendix D - The Northwestern Ontario Economic Plan Working Group Name

1. Andrea Strawson
2. Brenda Gignac
3. Charla Robinson
4. Charles Cirtwill
5. Dan Bevilacqua
6. Dan Elliot
7. Doug Hartnell
8. Fred Mota
9. Gajith Jinadasa
10. Garry McKinnon
11. Heather Gropp
12. Henry Wall
13. Iain Angus
14. Ian Dunn
15. Jordan Hatton
16. Katia Borjas
17. Kevin Kahoot
18. Kristen Oliver
19. Martin Chitohwa
20. Max Nagy
21. Michelle Hiscox
22. Megan Dokuchie
23. Nikita Cava
24. Peggy Johnson
25. Rick Dumas
26. Tyler Peacock
27. Tejraj Shah
28. Wendy Landry
29. Will Windigo

Role and Organization Executive Director, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Red Lake Community Development and Communications Manager President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Northern Policy Institute Executive Director & President, Superior Country Marathon Economic Development Officer Mayor, Township of Dawson & NOMA Executive Board Member Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake & NOMA Vice President Rainy River Economic Development Officer Executive Director, Atikokan Economic Development Corporation Community Development Officer, Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls CAO, Kenora District Social Services Administration Board Ontario Energy Board, Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association Director of Economic Development, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) Strategic Plan Intern, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Mayor, Township of Ear Falls & NOMA Executive Board Member Councillor, City of Thunder Bay & NOMA Executive Board Member Fort Frances Economic Development Officer Machin Economic Development Officer and Executive Director, Kenora District Municipal Association Economic Development Officer, Chukuni Communities Corporation Kenora Economic Development Officer Executive Director, Thunder Bay District Municipal League Executive Director, Rainy River District Municipal Association Mayor, Town of Marathon & NOMA Executive Board Member Dryden Economic Development Manager NWO Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator, Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Mayor, Municipality of Shuniah & NOMA President Indigenous Representative, Past Chief

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