Ontario’s Government for the People is making life easier for small municipalities by sending expert infrastructure planning help, Hastings, Lennox and Addington MPP Daryl Kramp announced today.
“This assistance will help Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, and Addington Highlands and other rural and northern communities map out the future,” said MPP Kramp. “We know that infrastructure spending benefits families and businesses. We have to ensure funds are spent in the right place, at the right time and on the right project.”
In parts of Ontario, infrastructure is deteriorating at a rate faster than it can be repaired or replaced.
Municipalities are now required to develop asset management plans, which will help guide decisions on infrastructure spending.
At the same time, the government is working to reduce a projected $14.5 billion deficit.
“Infrastructure spending has real benefits for the people of Ontario,” said Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton. “But in our current environment, spending decisions must be targeted, sustainable and focused on the long-term.”
Today’s announcement means Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, and Addington Highlands will benefit from expert, in-person assistance in developing their asset management plans. The program is being delivered by the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario in partnership with the province.
The Provincial Government recognizes that developing asset management plans is challenging work, especially for small municipalities with limited staff and resources. This work is critical to sustaining necessary services, such as roads, bridges and clean drinking water.
“Our Government for the People has heard from small municipalities,” said MPP Kramp. “Help is needed to improve asset management planning. We’re responding by sending specialized assistance.”
All 444 municipalities in Ontario are required to develop and adopt a strategic asset management policy by July 1, 2019. Requirements for each municipality to complete compliant asset management plans are being phased in by July 1, 2024.
Ontario has earmarked about $2.1 million over three years to help approximately 250 small municipalities to develop and improve their asset management planning.
