Back to SearchRELEASE DATE:
January 10, 2025
The County of Renfrew is preparing for several delegation meetings and networking opportunities during the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto later this month.
The theme for this year’s annual conference, taking place from January 19-21, 2025, is Rural Routes, and offers educational programming, expert panels, keynotes and so much more, all from a rural perspective as it highlights the day-to-day realities of local municipal leaders.
The ROMA Conference will provide an opportunity for elected officials and senior staff from the County of Renfrew to meet on local matters through delegation meetings and to hear from the Premier of Ontario and provincial party leaders on their priorities and vision for Ontario. The conference offers municipal officials the chance to foster partnerships and relationships across the sector, and advocate for change.
The County has been successful in securing several delegation meetings:
- Ministry of Infrastructure – Reviewing OCIF Funding cuts: Reductions to the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) directly affect the County of Renfrew's ability to manage repairs, upgrades, new infrastructure, and ensure resident safety and local economic activity. This meeting will review the impacts of these funding cuts and discuss future strategies.
- Ministry of Transportation – Seeking continued expansion of Highway 17: Ontario's commitment to expanding Highway 17 to Renfrew is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transport, boosting regional economic development, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing safety. This meeting will discuss the project’s timeline, funding, expected impact on Renfrew County, and opportunities for collaboration to address potential construction challenges.
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Enhancing Seniors Supportive Housing: Campus of Care builds are a proven, made in Ontario model of care, representing a cost-effective means for Ontario seniors to age at home where few affordable options exist. A targeted funding program would enable the expansion of this much needed and cost-effective component of the care continuum.
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Joint delegation with the City of Pembroke) – Discussing the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) Allocation: Demand for affordable housing in Renfrew County greatly exceeds supply, making new development crucial to tackling the region's housing crisis. Increasing affordable housing units can ease rental market pressure, reduce housing insecurity, and provide stable housing options for individuals and families, including those transitioning out of homelessness. To expand housing supply and support programs like the Homelessness Prevention Program, a larger allocation of resources is vital. There will also be a discussion on the rising costs to the municipality to support homelessness issues.
- Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and Ministry of Health (two separate meetings) – Discussing Mesa Program Funding: The Mesa initiative’s need for funding support for Community Paramedics and Mental Health and Addictions Counsellors to aid vulnerable populations. This model promotes effective solutions to mental health, addiction, emergency services, and housing issues by coordinating multi-sector approaches through collaboration among the County of Renfrew’s Administration, Community Services, Development and Property, and Emergency Services departments.
- Ministry of College and Universities – Expanding Learn and Stay Eligibility: Discussing the need to expand the Learn and Stay grant eligibility for Primary Care and Advanced Care Paramedics to rural Eastern Ontario. Local data shows increasing demand for emergency services, risking system strain and staffing shortages. Renfrew County needs better incentives to attract paramedics in rural areas to enhance access, improve service flow, and maintain service delivery.
"Delegation meetings at the ROMA conference are vital for fostering collaboration and addressing the unique challenges faced by our communities,” said Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon. “These gatherings provide an invaluable platform for sharing insights, advocating for our needs, and building strong partnerships that drive positive change. By coming together, we can ensure that the voices of Renfrew County are heard and that we continue to work towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all our residents."
Warden Emon will be joined at the delegation meetings by committee Chairpersons James Brose, Glenn Doncaster, Michael Donohue, Anne Giardini, Jennifer Murphy and members of the County’s Senior Leadership Team.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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