Bridge the funding gap, says MPP Ted Arnott
MPP tables resolution to return bridge responsibilities to the province
Wellington - Halton Hills – The Government of Ontario must do more to help communities maintain their municipal bridges, says Wellington - Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
“Bridges function as vital links between communities, and we must ensure that they are properly maintained,” said Mr. Arnott. His call comes as many municipalities across Ontario are confronting expensive bridge repairs.
“I've always worked to support our Municipal Councils to address the infrastructure needs in our communities,” said Mr. Arnott. “In many cases, they need provincial support in order to build and maintain basic infrastructure we need—especially when it comes to roads and bridges.”
Mr. Arnott tabled a resolution in the Ontario Legislature on December 11 th calling for the Government of Ontario to assume responsibility, over a twelve-year period, for all municipal bridges in Ontario.
“This resolution is designed to put pressure on the McGuinty Liberal Government to remember that bridges must be a high priority,” explained Mr. Arnott, adding that local governments must be supported to a greater extent than is the case today.
Restoring provincial responsibility for bridges is not a new idea; in 2003, the Progressive Conservative Party's platform contained a commitment to do just that.
Prior to the October 10 th provincial election, a report was commissioned to look into the provincial-municipal relationship to re-examine the roles and responsibilities of each level of government. Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson has recently informed the Legislature that this report is due to be presented in the spring.
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