Lincoln, ON – (August 24, 2023) – The Town of Lincoln continues to engage with several key provincial ministries to address critical issues impacting the community's growth, infrastructure, and emergency management. A Town of Lincoln delegation participated in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2023 Conference in London from August 21 to 23, 2023. Every year, municipal representatives from Lincoln attend the conference to advocate for strategic priorities and discuss critical issues by collaborating with provincial ministries.
Mayor Sandra Easton, along with numerous Town Council members, staff representatives, and partners from nearby municipalities, engaged in discussions with provincial ministers and MPPs. These ongoing discussions form a crucial component of our endeavors to achieve the Town's goals centered around sustainable growth and economic prosperity. These objectives are secured by investments in vital infrastructure and other important community-centered projects. Such goals align with and support the community vision of a place to grow, a place to prosper, a place to belong for Lincoln residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
"While the AMO conference provides an excellent platform for advocating community priorities, these discussions take place throughout the year due to our ongoing collaboration and dialogue with provincial partners,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “By engaging directly with provincial ministries and advocating for our community's priorities, we are taking proactive steps towards sustainable growth, enhanced infrastructure, and effective emergency management."
"Our delegation's active involvement at the AMO 2023 Conference reflects our dedication to advancing Lincoln's strategic priorities,” said Town of Lincoln Deputy Mayor Tony Brunet. “By engaging in discussions that span shared services, infrastructure, agriculture, and emergency management, we are actively pursuing innovative solutions for the challenges our community faces. The Town's leadership and coordination between various stakeholders demonstrate our unwavering commitment to a resilient and prosperous future for Lincoln."
The Town engaged in a series of meetings aimed at increasing awareness of Town priorities and advocating for support across Lincoln's diverse economic sectors.
Key priorities discussed were:
Shared Services and Infrastructure Funding
The Town of Lincoln's delegation met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to discuss shared service initiatives and growth-related pressures faced by the Town. The meeting's primary focus was on gaining support for shared services, especially the shared Fire Service with the Town of Grimsby. The Town seeks financial assistance to alleviate the transition costs associated with shared services and to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. Additionally, the Town advocated for funding to support new infrastructure, including a fire station in Vineland and essential water and sanitary infrastructure to accommodate the Prudhommes development.
Niagara Irrigation Project
The Town of Lincoln, the City of St. Catharines, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Niagara Region, joined discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to address the challenges facing Niagara's agricultural sector. The Niagara Irrigation Project aims to improve water distribution to farms, enhancing crop yield and security. The municipalities expressed gratitude for the ministry’s support and requested further assistance, including funding for infrastructural studies, to identify the most efficient irrigation system for the region.
Addressing Growth-Related Pressures and Shoreline Protection
In another meeting, the Town of Lincoln met with the Ministry of Infrastructure to address growth-related pressures and the need for infrastructure support. The focus of the discussions was to gain funding for critical projects such as a new fire station in Vineland and water and sanitary infrastructure to accommodate developments like Prudhommes. Furthermore, the Town sought additional financial support for shoreline protection projects, considering the erosion challenges posed by climate change.
Modernizing Emergency Management Legislation
The Town of Lincoln delegation met with the Treasury Board to discuss amendments to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 1990 and related regulations. The Town called for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the legislation to address evolving emergency situations, including emerging social crises that were not included when the legislation was first enacted. The Town emphasized the need to align the Act with contemporary risk management practices and facilitate inter-municipal sharing of emergency management resources for greater efficiency.
Niagara Escarpment Crossing
The Town of Lincoln and neighboring municipalities met with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) concerning a proposed North-South Niagara Escarpment Crossing in Grimsby's Bartlett Ave Area. The proposed Niagara Escarpment Crossing has gained traction due to its importance as a trade corridor and the strain on existing roadways from population growth and commerce. This project aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance transportation, and promote efficient movement of goods and people. Collaboration between West Niagara municipalities and the MTO recognizes its priority status, and provincial support is essential for advancing this project.
The Town of Lincoln remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and seeking provincial support to address critical challenges, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for its residents and the wider community.
As information becomes available regarding grants and funding received through the upper levels of government due to these advocacy efforts, the Town will share them with the community through our website, Lincoln.ca, social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and traditional media channels. The Town’s advocacy program is vital in creating positive impacts on the Lincoln community for our present and future.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230