AMO 2023 Conference Highlights: Affordable Housing, Funding Challenges, and More

I extend my sincere gratitude to IDENTOS Inc. for affording me the privilege of attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2023 conference in London, Ontario. The event brought together an assembly of dedicated public servants from municipal and provincial levels across Ontario. Over the span of three enlightening days, an array of pressing issues took center stage, illuminating the challenges and opportunities that municipalities confront within the current landscape. Below, I encapsulate a few of my insights and takeaways.

Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage:

Amidst a backdrop of inflation and soaring demand for housing, it became evident that affordable housing is the paramount concern for citizens across the province. With cities grappling to bridge the gap and allocate funding for vital city services, affordable housing emerged as a key priority that demands innovative solutions. This issue resonated strongly as municipalities strive to provide their residents with a fundamental necessity – a place to call home.

Municipal Funding and Economics:

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward (C.Dir.) Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington emphasized financial intricacies. Most revenue originates from property taxes, with 9 cents on the dollar for cities, and 39 cents for the federal government, revealing ongoing challenges in funding services. While addressing Peter Bethlenfalvy at the forum, Ward frames this interdependency up by stating "Federal has all the money, provincial has all the power, and municipal has all the problems".

Ontario Incentivizing Housing Growth:

The Doug Ford government incentivized cities to build more homes as Minister Steve Clark highlighted the government's commitment to housing growth through new property construction. Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy recommends deferring HST payments on building properties could address affordability and stimulate the economy.

Transportation Infrastructure Needs:

Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney stressed the importance of migration. With nearly 250,000 migrants annually, robust systems are crucial. Investments include Highway 413, GO train expansion, and LRT in Hamilton.

Agriculture and Export's Impact:

Minister of Agriculture Lisa Thompson celebrated Ontario's role as a net agricultural product exporter, contributing to supply chains, economy, and security.

Healthcare Transformation is Underway:

Minister of Health Sylvia Jones recounts the many OHTs that have been formed to help shape a more connected future integrating patient-centric care, and she adds "with one left to go". She also extends a one-time incentive for Ontario health units that voluntarily join forces. Finally, in the midst of a shortage of medical professionals, she's also reduced the administrative burden for qualified international doctors to migrate and work in Ontario.

Cybersecurity Realities and Costs:

Mayor of Kingston Bryan Patterson and St. Mary's underscored cybersecurity's vital role. Insufficient measures could lead to financial losses, as exemplified by a $1.4 million cost after a single cyber-attack. Robust cybersecurity is crucial.

Renewed Appreciation for Municipal Leaders:

As the AMO 2023 conference drew to a close, the depth and breadth of the challenges and opportunities discussed underscored the pivotal role that municipalities and municipal leaders play in shaping the future of Ontario. The revival of the "Bear Pit" was a highlight, where municipalities publicly tabled and requested support from provincial ministers on critical matters of funding and collaboration. From affordable housing and funding challenges to transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and, cybersecurity, the event served as a platform for critical conversations and collaborative efforts aimed at building a stronger, more resilient province for all its residents.

As I continue to contemplate our future as a citizen, a mother, and, a working tech professional, I'm left with a few questions - ones I hope my readers and those better informed than I can help with:

• What strategies protect the middle class amidst housing challenges?
• How can Canadian-founded companies thrive in a competitive global landscape?
• Have cities considered an MSC for the delivery of public digital services?

Thank you AMO for an enlightening event. I anticipate future participation and engagement with community-shaping issues. Share your thoughts and insights; let's continue the conversation.