GUELPH – Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece touted provincial funding for local infrastructure and pledged to continue advocating for investment in the future during a provincial update to Wellington County Council on Sept. 26.
“As a former municipal councillor, I understand some of the challenges you currently face and the important work you do for our communities,” said Pettapiece, who served on North Perth council before being elected at the provincial level.
Pettapiece who was named parliamentary assistant to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman after the Progressive Conservative victory in the 2018 election told councilors that although his role “is an important portfolio for our riding,” Perth-Wellington remains his “number one priority.
“I know infrastructure funding remains a major concerns for our communities,” said Pettapiece, who assured his audience “the Minister of Infrastructure, the Honorable Laurie Scott, is aware of our urgent infrastructure needs in Ontario.”
The MPP noted the government recently announced $4.1 million in provincial funding for the rehabilitation of the Conestoga Bridge near Arthur and earlier in the year agreed to provide $1 million toward repaving Arthur Street in Harriston.
“I know there are other pressing infrastructure needs across Perth Welling and I will continue to be a strong advocate for a funding model which reflects the reality of rural Ontario.”
Pettapiece also pointed out that earlier this year government announced 41 new long term care beds would be allocated to retirement facilities in Perth Wellington, including 29 at Royal Terrace in Palmerston.
“This is the first time in over eight years we’ve received new beds in our riding,” he noted.
Pettapiece told councillors that municipal governments have a role to play in efforts to reduce the province’s budgetary deficit and improve service delivery.
“Our government is looking for ways to work smarter, spend smarter and reinvent the way services are delivered that is why we are looking to you to put forward innovative and cost-effective ideas that can cut red tape for business and people that access government services, improve the way we deliver our government programs and services and save taxpayer’s money without job cuts to front line services that Ontarians depend on every day.”
Referencing a one-time investment of $200 million for small and rural municipalities to help improve service delivery, the MPP said, “I was pleased to hear the municipalities in Wellington County would pool a portion of this money to find efficiencies across the county. This is another example of forward and innovative thinking that you as municipal leaders continue to exhibit.”
Pettapiece said he and Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott facilitated a meeting between Minster of Health Christine Elliot and Wellington Dufferin Guelph Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer the previous week in Toronto.
Last spring the government announced the province’s 35 health units would be consolidated into just 10.
“I know it was a very productive meeting and Minister Elliott appreciated the information Dr. Mercer provided. Minister Elliott has said the specific boundaries will be finalized in talks with patients and municipalities,” said Pettapiece.
Pettapiece said the next stage of consultations is expected to be announced within a month.
While noting the government is planning to move to a health unit funding formula with a 70/30 provincial/municipal contribution split, Pettapiece pointed out “These proposed changes will not be implemented next year and government has committed to one-time funding for a transition.”
Councillor George Bridge told Pettapiece local officials “really appreciate that we got that meeting with Minister Elliott.”
“There’s no cookie cutter solutions in the whole thing,” said Pettapiece. “I think she understands that our issues with transportation and distance to services and whatever else aren’t what they are in the GTA.”
More amalgamations?
Councillor Gregg Davidson asked if the province was planning similar amalgamations of paramedic services across the province.
“I think anything to do with health services are going to be an ongoing discussion, I certainly haven’t heard that yet,” the MPP replied. “As we move forward on reform of the health care system this may be something that comes up, but I really can’t say now,” he added.
Councillor Diane Ballantyne asked Pettapiece if he had any insights into the government’s direction on the future of an existing moratorium on new commercial water-taking permits in the province.
Pettapiece said Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek “and those involved are taking a really hard look, and close look, at the process involved and also as to whether permits should be allowed in the first place … I cannot give you an update as to where it is in the process right now, but I think we all know that we have to protect our water systems.”
He continued, “We want to make sure water-taking permits are issued where needed, and not issued over pressure of large companies … We’re taking a really measured approach as to how we’re going to evolve that process.”
Warden Kelly Linton said councillors “appreciate the government’s approach to being consultative” and noted they would appreciate the MPP’s support on efforts to arrive at an equitable assessment system for gravel pits.
