The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is calling for increased provincial investment to tackle pressing issues like affordable housing, homelessness, and infrastructure gaps. The AMO argues that the current provincial-municipal funding relationship is broken and that municipalities are struggling to meet rising demands with limited resources.
From the rising number of tents in city parks to skyrocketing housing prices, many Ontarians are feeling the strain of a system stretched too thin.
”The provincial-municipal funding relationship is broken,” said AMO President Robin Jones. “Stronger provincial partnership is key to making our communities more prosperous, safer and healthier. Without it, municipalities will continue struggling to meet rising demands with resources that are already stretched to the breaking point.”
The campaign focuses on three factors that can improve quality of life and community well-being: ending homelessness, investing in local infrastructure to meet demand and ensuring property tax dollars aren’t needed to subsidize underfunded provincial responsibilities. AMO’s recent homelessness study concludes that $11 billion from the Province over the next 10 years could end chronic homelessness, while an immediate $2 billion could largely eliminate encampments. This would improve the lives of individuals, make our communities safer and more prosperous.
Infrastructure, housing and the economy Meanwhile, Ontario’s ambitious goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031 cannot be achieved without critical investments in municipal infrastructure.
HOMELESSNESS INFRASTRUCTURE HOUSING MUNICIPALITIES PROVINCIAL FUNDING
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