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FIRST PERSON: AMO worth the time

Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference provided valuable feedback, writes Town councillor
Councillor Shellee Niznik
USED Ottawa 2-Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market (Photo credit - Janet Stephens)
Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market.Photo credit - Janet Stephens

This past week, Mayor Junkin, Councillor Hildebrandt, CAO David Cribbs and myself had the honour of representing the Town at the Annual AMO conference in Ottawa. AMO brings all municipalities and regions together to learn and discuss issues that are affecting our residents.

We were able to hear the Premier, Mr. Ford, and several cabinet ministers speak on various topics such as housing, environment, transportation expansion and healthcare issues. We were specifically able to meet with three areas of government concerning our hydro billing classification and costs; the Minister of Infrastructure to ask for funding that would support the Town’s water and wastewater services, and the Minister of the Environment around our concerns over the lack of information on oak wilt affects on the Town’s tree canopy.

Being my first time at this conference, I was impressed with the many vendors that had booths to share new and innovative solutions to operating Towns more efficiently. I especially loved the “Bling” they handed out! The Breakfast meetings were also enlightening. I attended one that described a way for Regions to reduce the landfills and recycle much of the garbage through new and innovative technology.

I also got many new ideas on ways to support our aging residents so they can continue to thrive and stay healthy in their own homes, or receive services as they become more dependent on care without adding pressure to the healthcare system. Councillor Hildebrandt was encouraged by Hydro One’s commitment to answer our two main questions: Will Hydro One reclassify the Town back to medium density, and will Hydro One work with us to review all of our consumption data and charges, which will hopefully reduce costs for all of us.

Mayor Junkin and myself addressed several issues with the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure to express that the Town of Pelham is ready to build new communities, but need funds to build sewers and water lines.

All in all, it was an inspiring time to see so many dedicated politicians working to better their communities, and despite the rainy weather, it is always a wonderful time to visit the nation’s capital and be reminded that we have a lot to be thankful for in this beautiful country.

Shellee Niznik is a Pelham Town Councillor representing Ward 3.