Record-breaking attendance is expected as thousands of municipal representatives arrive in Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference this week.
Local leaders are expected to press the province for predictable funding and more help tackling costly issues such as homelessness and aging infrastructure.
It brings together representatives from cities, towns and rural communities to take part in policy sessions and meet directly with provincial ministers.
This year’s conference, which starts Sunday and ends Wednesday, is being held at Ottawa’s Rogers Centre. Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to address delegates Monday morning.
This year, AMO is highlighting the growing pressure municipalities face providing services and building infrastructure.
“One thing that we’re always pushing for is long-term infrastructure funding for housing and the economy,” said outgoing AMO president Robin Jones. “We also, at every opportunity, encourage the government and the ministers to fully fund health and social services that are provincial responsibilities.”
Jones said municipalities have had many costs downloaded onto them in recent years, and have only their property tax base to fund most of them.
AMO estimates more than $250 billion in infrastructure investment is needed over the next decade to accommodate growth, manage climate change and maintain aging roads, water systems and other assets across the province.
Delegates are calling for more provincial dollars dedicated to community housing, mental health and addiction services, and estimate they need $11 billion over the next 10 years to end chronic homelessness.
This year’s conference comes during an election year, adding another political dimension as mayors and councillors court the public and prepare to face voters in October.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is also scheduled to address delegates on Monday morning, before Ford.
Jones, who is passing the torch to Ottawa Coun. Riley Brockington, will also speak.