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Burlington Leaders Focus on Provincial Priorities at Annual AMO Conference
Burlington, ON – August 15, 2025 – Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, alongside several city councillors and staff, is set to attend the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Ottawa next week. From August 17th to 20th, this delegation will actively engage wiht government officials, including cabinet ministers and MPPs, and also industry stakeholders, to champion Burlington’s crucial priorities.
The primary objective of this mission is to ensure the city’s most pressing needs are at the forefront of provincial decision-making. This strategic engagement aims to foster collaborations that will directly benefit Burlington’s residents and future development.
Burlington’s Delegation and Strategic Objectives
Mayor Meed Ward will lead a robust delegation representing Burlington. The group includes Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan, Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna. Key city staff accompanying the delegation are CAO Curt Benson,Head of Corporate Affairs Leah Bortolotti,and Corporate strategic Leads of Government Relations Jayson Doll and Paul Szachlewicz.
Their presence at the conference signifies a commitment to proactive governance, seeking to advance the city’s agenda on critical issues affecting municipal operations and community well-being.
Key Priorities on the Provincial Agenda
Burlington’s delegation has outlined several key areas for discussion and advocacy:
- Burlington Skyway Bridge Traffic Management: The city is urging the Ministry of Transportation to enhance coordination and implement more effective traffic mitigation strategies during planned lane closures for maintenance on the Skyway Bridge. The goal is to minimize disruption and spillover impacts on local traffic through improved collaboration with municipal officials.
- Mohawk College Expansion: Burlington advocates for strategic dialog between the Ministry of colleges and Universities, Mohawk College, and the municipality. This collaboration is crucial for the planning of the college’s expansion, a notable investment aimed at boosting skills development and driving economic growth within Ontario.
- Electricity infrastructure for Housing Growth: To support the province’s enterprising housing targets, Burlington is requesting conversations with the Minister of Energy and Mines. The focus is on identifying the necessary actions and investments in electricity infrastructure required to unlock further housing potential in the city’s Municipal Servicing Plan Areas (MTSAs).
- Addressing Housing Affordability and Homelessness: The delegation is pushing for policy shifts, recommending that funding eligibility criteria for housing initiatives be based on housing approvals rather than housing starts, which are considered a lagging indicator and outside municipal control. They also seek increased provincial engagement to prevent, reduce, and end homelessness.
- Protection of Local Green Spaces: Burlington has requested the province to redesignate lands at Mount Nemo as Escarpment Natural and Escarpment Protection. This measure aims to safeguard the long-term viability of vital local ecosystems.
- Strengthening Municipal-Provincial Fiscal Relations: The city recommends direct collaboration with the provincial government on the $5 billion Building ontario Fund. The aim is to ensure this funding maximizes job creation, leverages existing investments, and advances joint infrastructure priorities, with clear dialogue on fund allocation timelines.
Mayor Meed Ward’s Role as OBCM Chair
In her capacity as Chair of Ontario’s Big city Mayors (OBCM), Mayor Meed ward will also lead a significant joint meeting with MARCO. This dual role amplifies her influence, allowing for broader discussions on municipal challenges and solutions with senior provincial officials.
“AMO 2025 is a vital platform to ensure Burlington’s priorities are front and centre with provincial decision-makers,” stated Mayor Meed Ward.”We are actively advocating for the priorities that matter most to our community-from reducing traffic congestion on the Skyway Bridge to ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support future growth. This is a critical prospect to work directly with provincial leaders and reinforce the need for coordinated support across all levels of government.”
Did You Know? Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) represents mayors from 29 large cities, encompassing nearly 70% of the province’s population, advocating for their collective interests.
Understanding the AMO conference
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is a key non-profit association that serves as the voice for most of Ontario’s municipal governments. It plays a crucial role in promoting effective local governance and highlighting its importance within the broader political landscape of Ontario and canada.
Each year, municipal leaders from across Ontario converge at the AMO conference to network, share best practices, and collectively advocate for policies that support municipal operations and community development.Burlington’s participation underscores the importance of this annual event for shaping provincial policy.
Evergreen Insights: Effective Municipal Advocacy
The strategy employed by Burlington’s delegation at the AMO conference reflects time-tested principles of effective municipal advocacy. Building strong relationships with provincial counterparts is paramount for securing necessary support and resources. Consistent communication, clear articulation of community needs, and a data-driven approach to policy proposals are essential for influencing decision-making.
Moreover, understanding the broader provincial context and aligning municipal priorities with provincial goals can considerably enhance the impact of advocacy efforts. Collaboration through organizations like AMO and OBCM amplifies the collective voice of municipalities,making it more influential in provincial policy discussions.
Pro Tip: Regularly engaging with your local elected officials and staying informed about municipal and provincial policy developments are key ways citizens can support their community’s advocacy efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington’s AMO Engagement
Q1: What is the primary goal of Burlington’s delegation at the AMO conference?
A1: The primary goal is to advocate for Burlington’s critical priorities with provincial decision-makers and stakeholders.
Q2: Which key infrastructure issue is Burlington addressing at the AMO 2025 conference?
A2: Burlington is focusing on improving traffic management for the Burlington skyway Bridge and ensuring adequate electricity infrastructure for housing growth.
Q3: How is Burlington addressing housing affordability at the AMO conference?
A3: The city recommends shifting funding eligibility for housing from starts to approvals and seeks provincial action to end homelessness.
Q4: What role does Mayor Marianne Meed Ward play beyond representing Burlington?
A4: mayor Meed Ward also serves as the Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), leading joint meetings and discussions.
Q5: What is AMO, and why is its conference significant for municipalities?
A5: AMO represents Ontario’s municipal governments, and its conference is a vital forum for advocacy and policy discussion.
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