By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Last week in Ottawa, I attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Convention.
Elected officials representing 444 Ontario municipalities met with Ontario Cabinet Ministers or Parliamentary Assistants—in keeping with my baseball theme—to pitch issues and move projects forward. It’s also an opportunity to network and share ideas. My role as your MPP is to support our counties as they advocate for you, the taxpayer.
Last year, I mentioned the high cost of AMO conventions. With high demand and premium prices for Ottawa hotels, I question whether taxpayers are getting bang for the buck. Many issues discussed, in 15-minute timeslots, were already issues of which respective ministries were aware. Some issues were on the table two years ago. You know the saying, the wheels of government turn slowly – well, sometimes the wheels stop turning.
You may recall last year, Haldimand County banned me from attending delegations to support and advocate for you, citing I was a detriment as an Independent. I remain an Independent, but I suppose they have realized having me on their side is beneficial. So, Haldimand County and I presented as a united front during a handful of delegations.
While ministers typically do not give yes or no answers at AMO, each delegation was productive. While responses might not have been exactly what we wanted, they provided direction on decision making moving forward.
I won’t get into the weeds of the delegations, but the one near and dear to our hearts in Haldimand County is the need to get shovels in the ground at Edgewater Gardens. It might take a bit longer, but I remain hopeful this crucial project comes to fruition.
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley and I also met with Energy Minister Stephen Lecce to discuss an energy project for the Nanticoke Industrial Park. The province requires 75 per cent more power by 2050, driven by population growth, industrial electrification, investments in the electric vehicle supply chain, and advanced technologies like AI data centres. This is a significant increase, which is like adding the energy capacity of four and a half Torontos to the grid. We believe Nanticoke is the ideal location for an energy project, which would create good-paying careers for locals.
Norfolk was represented by Ward 6 Councillor Adam Veri and CAO Al Meneses. Originally, I was not asked to participate in any Norfolk County delegations but once Councillor Veri assumed authority in lieu of the mayor who did not appear, he looped me into the delegation deliberating the gas well hell on Forestry Farm Road. A few weeks ago, in a CBC report I expressed frustration the mayor refused to join my call asking the province to assume responsibility of the situation. Veri, Meneses, and I were on the same page in our pitch to Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris Jr. We were heartened to hear this is a top priority and a project lead would be assigned. He also admitted the well at Forestry Farm Road is the most significant issue his ministry is grappling with. We might finally see the gas well hell of Norfolk County resolved.
Of note, the Minister of Transportation declined meeting with Haldimand County, but Mayor Bentley, Councillors Brad Adams and Debra McKeen, and I ran into the minister and reminded him he is well overdue with reconstructing Caledonia’s Argyle Street Bridge. We also reminded him Haldibrook Road and Highway 6 remained in chaos. And perhaps we scored a run at AMO because Friday morning my office received a notice of Study of Commencement from the Ministry of Transportation. I have yet to peruse the details but will keep you informed.
After a few days at AMO, I am reminded how much I love living in our beautiful riding. There’s much work to do and you have my word that your interest is paramount. Enjoy what’s left of summer!
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk