Nipissing Township to Receive Expert Help for Infrastructure Planning
January 11, 2019NORTH BAY – Ontario’s Government for the People is making life easier for small municipalities by sending expert infrastructure planning help, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced today.
“This assistance will help Nipissing Township and other rural and northern communities map out the future,” said Fedeli. “We know that infrastructure spending benefits families and businesses. We have to ensure funds are spent in the right place, at the right time and on the right project.”
In parts of Ontario, infrastructure is deteriorating a rate faster than it can be repaired or replaced.
Municipalities are now required to develop asset management plans, which will help guide decisions on infrastructure spending.
At the same time, the government is working to reduce a projected $14.5 billion deficit.
“Infrastructure spending has real benefits for the people of Ontario,” said Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton. “But in our current environment, spending decisions must be targeted, sustainable and focused on the long-term.”
Today’s announcement means Nipissing Township will benefit from expert, in-person assistance in developing its asset management plan. The program is being delivered by the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario in partnership with the Province.
The provincial government recognizes that developing asset management plans is challenging work, especially for small municipalities with limited staff and resources. This work is critical to sustaining necessary services, such as roads, bridges and clean drinking water.
“Our Government for the People has heard from small municipalities,” said MPP Fedeli. “Help is needed to improve asset management planning. We’re responding by sending specialized assistance.”