A delegation including Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Chair – Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, Councillor Shelby Chng, Vice Chair – Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Member – Intergovernmental Affairs and General Manager of Infrastructure, Operations & Development Kerri Marshall attended the 2024 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto from January 21 to 23. They brought community issues and key priorities to lobby for action and/or funding.

Meetings were held with:                                        

  • Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, Ministry of Infrastructure
  • Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance
  • Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General, Ministry of the Solicitor General
  • Hon. Rob Flack, Associate Minister of Housing, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Ministry of Health

Key community issues and priorities lobbied for action and/or funding:

  • Building more homes in Thunder Bay
  • Update of provincial / municipal funding regimen
  • Safe sobering site
  • Lithium hydroxide processing facility
  • Resources for the Thunder Bay Police Service
  • Forensic pathology unit
  • Lithium processing facilities
  • Thunder Bay District Health Unit possible merger
  • Former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital property for housing

The ROMA 2024 conference is a key opportunity for municipal and provincial officials to connect on the unique challenges faced by rural and northern municipalities. It presents an opportunity to profile municipal priorities and demonstrate participation and advocacy on local needs.

- 30 –

 

Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-625-3650