Political Opinions
Update from Doug Shipley, MP Barrie- Springwater – Or-Medonte
I am so pleased to represent a riding like Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte, where there is a mix of urban and rural. Recently I welcomed John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, Alberta to visit our riding. Mr. Barlow is the Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. I was eager to have him visit our riding and hear directly from some of our Agriculture and Agri-Food producers what sort of challenges they are facing. We spent two days touring operations such as Addis Grain, Arbor Lane and Wrico Holsteins. We also met with representatives of the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture. I learned so much about the threats currently faced by our local Agriculture and Agri-Food producers, here at home and across much of Canada. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to meet with us. Sincerely,
Doug Shipley
Member of Parliament
Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte
Ontario Replacing Little Current Swing Bridge in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
Province continuing to invest in key transportation projects in the North
September 08, 2023 – LITTLE CURRENT – The Ontario government has completed the plan-ning, preliminary design and environmental assessment for the replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge on Highway 6 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. The project will now proceed with the next steps – property acquisition, right-of-way designation, and detail design.
“To keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently, our government is making targeted investments in highways, roads, and bridges to strengthen and expand our province’s transportation network,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge will make travel smoother for residents, businesses, emergency services and tourists, while supporting economic growth and job creation in local communities.”
The existing swing bridge is almost 110 years old and nearing the end of its service life. It serves as the only roadway access to Manitoulin Island. The replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge will improve traffic operations and the crossing to and from the island for all drivers.
“The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is very pleased that the Ontario government is focused on moving this project forward,” said Alan MacNevin, Mayor, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. “While the current bridge represents our connection to our past, the new bridge will represent our connection to the future by enhancing traffic flow and supporting growth and development on the Island.”
“Our government is continuing to invest in the safe and reliable transportation network that Northern Ontario needs to thrive,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Replacing Little Current’s swing bridge is a critical project that will make it easier for residents and families in the North to get where they need to go, while supporting good-paying jobs in the local community.”
Ministry of Northern Development
Ontario Holding Landowners Accountable to Commitments to Build Homes
Province starting process to return Ajax site to Green-belt while reinforcing expectations to other landowners and home builders
August 30, 2023- Toronto – The Ontario government has begun the process of returning 765 and 775 Kingston Road East in Ajax to the Greenbelt, following the property owner’s decision to list these lands for sale in recent weeks, including listing some of the lands to be used for a business park rather than homes. At no time was the intention to sell or change the ownership structure disclosed to the government’s Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator despite active and ongoing discussions. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about the owner’s ability to meet the government’s expectation that homes be built in a timely manner, including the need to show meaningful progress before the end of year.
The government’s intention in amending the Greenbelt boundaries has always been to increase the supply and affordability of homes by building at least 50,000 homes quickly, while also expanding the overall size of the Greenbelt. Any attempt to sell these lands or otherwise profit from this decision without building the homes Ontario residents rightly expect runs contrary to the government’s intentions and will not be tolerated.
To ensure that construction on the remaining lands proceeds without unnecessary delays, the government will inform the remaining proponents that they are required to notify the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator of any potential transactions or actions regarding these lands. Any actions that stand in the way of building homes quickly on these lands will not be tolerated.
The facilitator continues to work closely with proponents at these sites to ensure the government’s criteria regarding these lands are met. These cri-teria include making substantial planning progress by the end of 2023 with shovels in the ground no later than 2025 and that proponents cover the cost of community benefits, such as housing-enabling infrastructure, parks and green spaces, as well as other amenities that will result in complete communities. If these expectations are not met, the lands will be returned to the Greenbelt.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
