Wellington County's warden is among municipal leaders meeting with parliamentarians in Ottawa this week.
George Bridge has joined a delegation from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities involved in 150 scheduled meetings with parliamentarians through Saturday.
Bridge hopes they can help guide the federal plan to invest in transit, social and green infrastructure. He says municipalities can deliver cost effective solutions to local needs while creating jobs and reducing emissions.
They are urging Ottawa to provide predictable allocations to help communities move forward, including dedicating much of the Social Infrastructure Fund to affordable housing.
The federal government's recent Fall Economic Statement expanded its Phase 2 infrastructure commitment to $81-billion over 11 years, while announcing dedicated support for smaller and remote communities.
“This infrastructure plan has tremendous potential to boost our economy and quality of life here in Wellington County,” says Bridge. “But to unlock that potential, the federal government needs to get the programs right, and we’re here to ensure they improve lives here and across the country.”
“Ottawa just committed billions to rural and northern infrastructure needs specifically. If they get those program details right, we can look forward to better roads and bridges, better water and waste systems, more affordable housing, and a boost for our economy and quality of life,” says Bridge.
Bridge serves as a member of FCM’s Board of Directors.
