In its ongoing pursuit of a thriving community, the Town of Lincoln is actively engaging with key provincial ministries to address critical issues that directly impact the town’s growth, infrastructure, and emergency management. Spearheading these efforts, a dedicated delegation from Lincoln participated in the influential Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2023 Conference held in London from August 21 to 23, 2023. This annual event provides an exceptional platform for municipal representatives from Lincoln to advocate for strategic priorities, collaborating closely with provincial ministries to tackle pressing matters.
Mayor Sandra Easton, flanked by several Town Council members, staff representatives, and partners from neighbouring municipalities, orchestrated in-depth dialogues with provincial ministers and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). These ongoing conversations form a pivotal part of Lincoln’s overarching mission to attain sustainable growth and economic prosperity, bolstered by investments in vital infrastructure and pivotal community-centric initiatives. These objectives are seamlessly intertwined with the community’s vision: a place to grow, a place to prosper, a place to belong, serving the needs of Lincoln’s residents, enterprises, and visitors alike.
“While the AMO conference serves as an outstanding forum for prioritizing community needs, these conversations occur year-round thanks to our steadfast collaboration and ongoing dialogue with provincial partners,” affirmed Mayor Sandra Easton. “By directly engaging with provincial ministries and fervently advocating for our community’s interests, we are proactively steering ourselves towards sustainable growth, fortified infrastructure, and proficient emergency management.”
Deputy Mayor Tony Brunet of the Town of Lincoln stated, “Our delegation’s dynamic participation at the AMO 2023 Conference mirrors our unwavering commitment to advancing Lincoln’s strategic priorities. Through comprehensive deliberations spanning shared services, infrastructure, agriculture, and emergency management, we are actively seeking ingenious solutions to surmount our community’s challenges. The Town’s resolute leadership and harmonization among diverse stakeholders underscore our resolute dedication to a future that is both robust and prosperous for Lincoln.”
Over the course of the conference, Lincoln’s representatives engaged in a series of meetings aimed at heightening awareness of the town’s priorities and garnering support across the spectrum of Lincoln’s diverse economic sectors.
Key Agenda Items:
- Shared Services and Infrastructure Funding: The delegation met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to deliberate shared service initiatives and growth-induced pressures confronting the town. The principal focus of these discussions was to rally behind support for shared services, particularly the shared Fire Service with the Town of Grimsby. Financial assistance is being sought to mitigate the transition costs linked with these shared services and to ensure their enduring viability. Furthermore, funding advocacy encompassed support for new infrastructure projects such as a fire station in Vineland, as well as indispensable water and sanitary infrastructure to accommodate the Prudhommes development.
- Niagara Irrigation Project: Collaborating with the City of St. Catharines, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Niagara Region, Lincoln engaged in talks with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The goal was to address the predicaments faced by Niagara’s agricultural sector. The Niagara Irrigation Project endeavours to ameliorate water distribution to farms, thereby enhancing crop yield and security. Acknowledging the ministry’s support, the municipalities extended their gratitude and further implored for assistance, including funding earmarked for infrastructure studies to identify the optimal irrigation system for the region.
- Managing Growth and Shoreline Protection: Lincoln’s representatives convened with the Ministry of Infrastructure to confront the challenges associated with burgeoning growth and the corresponding demand for infrastructure reinforcement. The deliberations centered on securing funding for pivotal ventures, including a novel fire station in Vineland and the imperative water and sanitary infrastructure needed to accommodate developments such as Prudhommes. Moreover, financial backing was sought for safeguarding shoreline projects, a matter of escalating concern given the erosive impacts of climate change.
- Modernizing Emergency Management Legislation: The Town’s delegation liaised with the Treasury Board, propelling discussions regarding amendments to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act of 1990, along with the pertinent regulations. Advocating for a comprehensive review and refurbishment of the legislation, Lincoln urged the incorporation of provisions that account for the evolving landscape of emergency situations, including emergent social crises that were not envisioned during the legislation’s inception. Emphasizing alignment with contemporary risk management practices and facilitating inter-municipal sharing of emergency resources were primary tenets of these talks.
- Niagara Escarpment Crossing: The Town of Lincoln, in conjunction with neighbouring municipalities, entered into discussions with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) pertaining to a prospective North-South Niagara Escarpment Crossing in the Bartlett Ave Area of Grimsby. This envisioned crossing has garnered traction due to its pivotal role as a trade conduit, while also addressing the strain exerted on existing roadways by escalating population and commercial activity. The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion, optimize transportation, and facilitate the fluid movement of goods and people. Acknowledging the project’s priority status, the cooperation between West Niagara municipalities and the MTO underscores the necessity of provincial endorsement to advance this initiative.
As steadfast advocates, the Town of Lincoln remains devoted to fostering collaboration and soliciting provincial backing to effectively confront pressing challenges, nurturing a future that is resilient and prosperous for its inhabitants and the broader community.
Updates on grants and funding secured through these advocacy endeavours will be disseminated to the community via the town’s official platforms, including the website, Lincoln.ca, as well as its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), and conventional media outlets. The town’s advocacy program plays an indispensable role in generating positive outcomes for Lincoln’s current and future populace.
If you have any questions regarding this please reach out via: Email: info@lincoln.ca Phone: 905-563-2799
