MBC News file photo
Norfolk County used this week’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference to put several local priorities directly in front of provincial ministers.
Deputy Mayor Kim Huffman was part of Norfolk’s delegation at the four-day conference in Ottawa. It was her first time attending AMO, and she said the size and reach of the event stood out.
Norfolk secured more than a dozen ministry delegations, covering issues ranging from energy and municipal funding to long-term care, seniors’ services and education.
Huffman said the county met with the Ministry of Energy and Mines to show its support for the province’s recent announcement involving potential new power generation at the Nanticoke Industrial Park.
The delegation also spoke with the Ministry of Finance about additional funding and discussed plans for long-term care development in Norfolk.
With an aging population, Huffman said expanding services and securing funding for seniors remains another priority.
One provincial announcement that could have a direct impact locally is funding available through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
Huffman said Norfolk could pursue funding for a future recreation facility featuring two ice pads, a proper indoor swimming pool and spaces that serve residents of different ages.
Other meetings focused on expanding programming at the Fanshawe College campus in Simcoe, Lake Erie shoreline erosion, the Forestry Farm gas well and Ontario’s Buy Ontario procurement program.
Huffman said the county wanted to make sure provincial officials understood Norfolk’s needs while also positioning the municipality to take advantage of future funding opportunities.
Written by Jeremy Hall
