A choice to live and work in rural Ontario should not limit our access to the same range and level of services our urban counterparts enjoy.
Ontario’s rural infrastructure is made up of basic services like health care, education, and capital investments in road and bridge maintenance. Unfortunately our rural areas do not always receive the same attention our urban neighbours do when it comes to services such as emergency trauma centres, reliable internet services, or road maintenance.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is lobbying the provincial government in the lead up to the Oct. 6 provincial election for a renewed commitment to ensure rural Ontario residents have access to the range of services available to urbanites. That means equal access to quality of life services and adequate funding for rural municipalities. With that much-needed support from our government, we can build stronger rural communities and farm businesses.
Over the years, the provincial government has forced rural municipalities to shoulder an increasing proportion of the cost of infrastructure. That downloading of services has left many rural areas cash-strapped and unable to properly maintain bridges and roadways.
Many municipalities are looking at expanding their tax base – sometimes in ways that are detrimental to agriculture. Municipal practices like annexing land or building lot severances can jeopardize farm expansion and normal farm practices.
Development fees on agricultural buildings have also been implemented in many rural communities throughout Ontario. These new tax generating initiatives are increasing the financial strain on farm businesses, and creating a divide between farmers and their rural neighbours.
Improved rural infrastructure also means greater access to services that will increase the quality of life in rural areas. For example, reliable internet access will facilitate improved ehealth and elearning possibilities, and high speed services will improve farm business access to the world, creating further information and marketing opportunities.
Health care and education provisions in rural areas can also be improved through strategically located emergency trauma centres and availability of core educational subjects in all rural schools.
Ontarians should not have to choose between a rural business and access to basic services and capital investment in their communities. That is why the OFA is working diligently with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association to address this issue with government and policy makers. The Ontario government must fully fund our rural communities with strengthened, equitable infrastructure programs. All Ontarians deserve access and support from a robust infrastructure system, no matter where you live.
Mark Wales is Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
