Mayor Kelly Linton believes Centre Wellington’s messages are getting through to the powers that be.
Addressing council on Aug. 27, Linton spoke briefly regarding the recent AMO conference in Ottawa.
“It was a good opportunity to see the premier and listen to him speak as well as the new ministers … it’s a very different feel,” said Linton.
“It is really clear that the message the new government was providing to municipalities is that ‘we’re going to be listening to you, and that we’re going to be having a lot of dialogue in the future.’”
He noted the new government is not really being held accountable for too much at this point, since it is still newly elected into office.
“It may be a bit harder for them next year, since there are some expectations.”
He said municipalities will be at AMO next year to ensure that the province has lived up to its promises.
Linton said he was able to have a number of informal meetings while at the conference in Ottawa.
In speaking with Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, Linton said the city showed interest in emulating Centre Wellington’s two per cent capital levy to address city infrastructure issues.
Linton added there were also numerous informal discussions with other mayors of Wellington County.
“It’s a really good opportunity to talk to the other mayors … there is not always the chance to do so at county council meetings.”
Linton explained he, councillor Fred Morris, CAO Andy Goldie and Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott met with Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Rod Phillips.
“We shared our community’s concern when it came to water supplies and making sure we have the water we need as our community continues to grow in the future,” said Linton.
Part of the presentation included updates on the township’s water supply study and research conducted by Save Our Water.
“We also requested the ministry extend the current moratorium on new commercial water taking permits to 2023,” said Linton.
He added, “The minister and his staff seemed very receptive,” and noted the municipality will keep the community apprised of any new information coming from the ministry.
