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Politics – December 5

Group against pro-active climate change speak to North Simcoe councils

By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, MidlandToday.ca

Dec 02, 2024

Delegations to North Simcoe councils from anti-globalist group KICLEI have begun meeting with local municipalities and asking them to cease involvement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as well as the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program.

Both townships of Tiny and Tay heard from delegates representing the group, presenting similarly worded requests with township-specific tailoring at council meetings.

Tiny Township heard from resident Glenna Ritchie in mid-November, while Tay Township received a deputation from residents Taudie McLeaming and Gerald Auger at month’s end.

For both delegations, KICLEI supporters attended the council chambers in Tiny and Tay; KICLEI flyers were distributed to those seated.

Not to be confused with KICLEI, the original ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, established 1990), also known as Local Governments for Sustainability, focused on networking local and regional governments around the world to commit to sustainable development.

North Simcoe councils received an update on Simcoe County and Sustainable Severn Sound municipal climate action plans in April of this year through heavily detailed, data-filled deputations from the Severn Sound Environmental Association.

The core of KICLEI originated with Peterborough resident Maggie Braun, described as a ‘Canadian activist’ during a promotional notice that appeared for a Tiny Township pig roast in September as a gathering of the Ontario Landowners Association.

Also appearing with Braun at the pig roast were People’s Party of Canada representative Stephen Makk speaking on freedom and survival, and Tiny Township Coun. David Brunelle on land-use planning. Information booths were set up by political communication company iMatr, anti-vaccination and antisemitic publication Druthers, the Midland Community Hub, TinyTRA, and Civis4Reform.

Ritchie, McLeaming and Auger were also in attendance at the September gathering, as was Tiny protest organizer Karen Zulynik.

Brunelle had attended a ‘Finding Our Voice’ town hall in June where he encouraged citizens to become involved in local councils and committees; that meeting also included anti-globalist concerns and was attended by former Ontario Party candidate Auger as well as others sporting ‘Make Canada Great Again’ and ‘Action4Canada’ hats.

In attendance during the November deputations were Makk at both, and Auger and Zulynik at the Tiny delegation. No councillors made a declaration of pecuniary interest during either delegation.

The KICLEI requests noted that financial burdens of municipalities addressing climate change through PCP were costly; withdrawing from the program would allow a local focus for environmental stewardship.

In Tiny, the delegation was received for information, and could be addressed at an upcoming regular meeting of council.

At Tay, Coun. Paul Raymond clarified to the organization that while North Simcoe and surrounding municipalities became PCP member municipalities through the Local Climate Change Action Plan of the Sustainable Severn Sound project in 2018 (through the Severn Sound Environmental Association), what appeared on the KICLEI website was a list of ‘participating municipalities’ across Ontario which he implied could be mistaken as KICLEI participants if taken out of context – of which Tay, Tiny, Midland, Penetanguishene, and the townships of Severn, Georgian Bay, Oro-Medonte, and Springwater were not KICLEI members.

Tay council also received the deputation, with Mayor Ted Walker informing MidlandToday after the meeting that he noted McLeaming and Auger as Tay residents but “didn’t recognize anyone (else) that I could say for sure came from Tay Township.”

He added that research on the topic would need to be done with members of the SSEA, with a future decision which would address justified reasons and associated costs.

“I think they (SSEA) do a little more on environment than they (KICLEI) may have realized,” said Walker. “I attended a seminar on climate prevention the other day that the SSEA had, which really had nothing to do with the watershed.

“We don’t have electric vehicles; we have done upgrades with lighting (and similar items),” added Walker. “We think we’re pretty green as far as that goes.”

 

MPP Jill Dunlop Announces That Ontario is Building More Electric Vehicle Chargers in Simcoe North

New electric vehicle chargers will make life easier and more convenient for drivers.

Submitted by Office of Jill Dunlop, MPP

Nov 19, 2024

SIMCOE NORTH — Ontario is building nine (9) new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Simcoe North. This marks a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector, these new charging stations will provide critical supporting infrastructure in communities across the province, including for EVs made right here in Ontario.

“For EV drivers, finding a charging station that’s close by and available can mean the difference between a quick stop and a time-consuming detour that takes time away from work, school or family,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North. “I’m proud to announce the delivery of these nine new EV charging stations in Simcoe North to make life easier and more convenient for drivers.”

These new chargers, part of the government’s $63 million EV ChargeON Program Community Sites Stream, will be located at:

  • Washago Community Centre in Severn – four (4) stations
  • Walmart Midland – four (4) stations
  • Mac Lang Orillia Ram Jeep Dodge Chrysler – five (5) stations
  • Bayview Wildwood Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection – three (3) stations
  • Orillia, adjacent to 400 Memorial Avenue – three (3) stations
  • Penetanguishene Community Centre – three (3) stations
  • Penetanguishene Town Dock – four (4) stations
  • Coldwater Community Centre in Severn – three (3) stations
  • Severn Municipal Office – seven (7) stations

“With more than 201,000 electric vehicles on the road in Ontario, we’re putting shovels in the ground to build more charging stations and make life easier for drivers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “That includes a focus on smaller and underserved communities across our province where we are providing more certainty for parents and workers during their commutes.”

Each new EV charging site will include Level 2 charging stations, Level 3 charging stations, or a combination of the two. The government has also launched a new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan and is exploring options for an Electric Vehicle Charger Discount Electricity Rate to further support EV adoption and reduce emissions. The new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan is helping customers who use more electricity at night, including those who charge their electric vehicle, save up to $90 per year.

“Improving EV charging infrastructure is essential to ensuring drivers are confident in electric vehicles,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By focusing on smaller and medium-sized communities, we’re filling gaps in underserved areas to build a more connected charging network for everyone in Ontario.”

QUICK FACTS

The government is investing a total of $91 million through the EV ChargeON program which consists of two streams: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream. Through the Community Sites Stream the government is building over 1,300 chargers. Requests for bids for the Government Sites Stream closed in September 2024.

Businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, and broader public sector organizations (such as hospitals, universities, and colleges) were invited to submit funding applications for the Community Sites Stream.

As of October 2024, there were more than 201,000 EVs registered in Ontario, including both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. By 2030, over one million EVs are expected on Ontario’s roads.

 

A message from Doug Shipley, Member of Parliament,

Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte

Dec 2, 2024

December is a busy time of year. We find ourselves with a lot of things to do before we can settle down to enjoy the holidays. We are busy with school recitals, holiday parties, shopping, cleaning, decorating…the list can seem endless. And, before we know it, the holidays are here.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to shop local as you work to check items off your lists. There are many local food shops where you can pick up appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Many businesses in the area where you can find a gift for that special someone. Need a hostess gift for a friend that hosts the entire group every December? Stroll down any of the local main streets and you are sure to find the perfect item. Or check out the Township of Springwater’s website, the business directory can assist in your search for local businesses.

I encourage you to fit in some of the local holiday events taking place in and around our communities. There are a few local Santa Claus parades taking place in the next couple of weeks. My team and I will be handing out candy and wishing the attendees a Merry Christmas as we walk the routes, please say hello if you see us.

In addition to the parades, pick an evening when the weather is clear and enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights around your neighbourhood. Maybe take a drive through the Magic of Lights display at Springwater Park. There are 2.5 kilometers of twinkling lights to enjoy. The display is on now and goes until January 4. There are also many vendor markets happening in the lead up to Christmas, always a good place to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts. Any of these events are sure to kick your holiday spirit into high gear.

As always, my constituency office is available to assist you with any federal matters. Please contact my office at Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca or 705-728-2596 for assistance.

Sincerely,

Doug Shipley, Member of Parliament, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte

 

Ontario Increasing Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund to $600 Million

$100 million increase will support 390 municipalities across the province

November 22, 2024, Ministry of Finance

UXBRIDGE — As part of the provincial government’s historic increase to financial support for Ontario municipalities, the province is increasing the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $100 million over two years, bringing the total funding envelope to $600 million by 2026. The OMPF is the province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities.

The 2025 OMPF grant includes an immediate increase of $50 million to provide $550 million in unconditional funding to 390 municipalities. The $50 million enhancement has been targeted to small, Northern and rural municipalities and those with a limited property tax base, with the aim of assisting municipalities so they can provide critical municipal services to people across the province.

“We have heard from small, Northern, and rural municipalities that they need more support to meet the financial challenges they face in delivering services to their communities and that’s exactly what this significant increase to OMPF, which is being delivered through our recent Fall Economic Statement, will help them do,” said Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “Municipalities are critical partners in delivering important local services and we will continue working together to build more homes, support economic growth and strengthen Ontario’s communities in a way that is sustainable and responsible.”

Ontario has been steadily increasing support to municipalities. From 2019–2023, key provincial support to municipalities grew by over 45 per cent. In 2023 alone, the government provided almost $10 billion to Ontario municipalities through key transfers. This includes increasing the Homelessness Prevention Program to $654 million annually, as well as enhanced support for Northern and rural communities, such as the introduction of the $15 million Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) program in 2021 and the investment of an additional $1 billion for the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) over five years, starting in 2022.

“We will not leave any part of the province behind as we work together with our municipal partners to create stronger communities,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By increasing our infrastructure investments for small, Northern and rural municipalities, we are helping lay the groundwork for more homes for the hardworking people of Ontario.”

“Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate our government’s commitment to rural and Northern municipalities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “We have created a stand-alone ministry dedicated to rural affairs and we are listening and taking action as well as building supports that will enable small towns and rural communities to thrive and prosper. Increased funding through the OMPF will ensure small, rural, and Northern Ontario municipalities receive additional base funding needed to address local priorities.”

Quick Facts

  • The OMPF is a formula-based program that incorporates annual data updates to ensure the program is responsive to changing municipal circumstances.
  • As the enhancement to the program is phased-in, all core grant recipients will receive 100 per cent or more of their 2024 OMPF allocation in 2025.
  • Beginning this winter, Ontario will consult with municipalities on their priorities for the OMPF as well as the implementation of a reporting framework to gain a better understanding of how the OMPF is supporting local communities.
  • The province is working with municipalities to support building more homes for people and families. Ontario is investing nearly $2 billion in housing-enabling infrastructure through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, complementing support already being provided through the Building Faster Fund.
  • Investing in key local infrastructure through programs like the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program is part of the province’s capital plan of more than $191 billion over 10 years to build critical infrastructure and get more homes built faster to support growing communities and lay a strong foundation for future generations.

Seniors Community Grant Program Applications Now Open

Community organizations can apply for funding to help deliver programs and services benefiting Ontario’s seniors

November 29, 2024, Submitted by Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

TORONTO — Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program which supports local community groups and not-for-profit organizations to deliver programs and learning opportunities for Ontarians aged 55+.

“Our government is committed to improving the well-being of Ontario’s seniors by providing learning opportunities and social and physical activities in their communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “That’s why we’re proud to support the Seniors Community Grant Program, which gives so many people the opportunity to learn new skills, socialize and take part in community life.”

Every year, the Ontario government provides hundreds of Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects that help older adults live independently, ensure their safety and security, connect them to their community, and help them achieve greater financial security and social connections.

The 2025-26 Seniors Community Grants Program will focus on the following three key priority areas:

  • Providing opportunities for older adults to stay active and connected in their communities, such as weekly physical activities and social engagements.
  • Developing technology and digital solutions to support seniors’ social engagement and access to programs and services.
  • Increasing access to information and supports for health prevention and promotion.

Organizations can apply online through Transfer Payment Ontario until January 16, 2025.

Since 2018, the government has invested over $34 million in the Seniors Community Grants Program, supporting over 1,800 grassroots projects that help seniors stay socially and physically active in their communities.

Quick Facts

  • The Seniors Community Grant Program is dedicated to promoting health, community engagement and well-being for Ontarians aged 55+.
  • Applications are open now and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on January 16, 2025.
  • Seniors are Ontario’s fastest growing demographic.
  • Eligible organizations must apply for a Seniors Community Grant through Transfer Payment Ontario.

 

Governments Announce Available Funding to Enhance Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector

By Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Nov.27, 2024

TORONTO – The governments of Canada and Ontario are still accepting applications for three initiatives designed to enhance the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

The following three initiatives support greater workforce diversity and supply and on-farm sustainability improvements:

  • Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (deadline is December 3, 2024)
  • Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative
  • Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program.

“There’s no doubt that the programs under our Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement are making a real difference in the lives of our hardworking producers and processors right across Ontario,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By helping them address the challenges they face, we’re making the sector more sustainable and competitive for generations to come.”

“By 2028, $569 million in Sustainable CAP funding in a broad suite of initiatives will have flowed to Ontario’s rapidly growing agri-food sector, with over 1,500 Ontario agribusinesses already having benefitted from these dollars,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We strongly encourage Ontario agri-food stakeholders to apply to these programs and to seize the opportunities they offer for long-term growth and competitiveness.”

More information on initiative details, delivery partners, and application requirements is available on the Sustainable CAP webpage, and can be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300, or ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.

 

 

 

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