Small Urban GTHA Mayors discuss economic stabilization, housing, infrastructure and illegal trucking with Minister Caroline Mulroney at Georgina meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2025
The Small Urban GTHA Mayors convened at the new Multi-Use Recreation Centre in Georgina, Ontario on May 16 for a productive and collaborative meeting. They met with guest speaker Caroline Mulroney, MPP York-Simcoe and Minister of Francophone Affairs/President of the Treasury Board, to discuss pressing issues regarding infrastructure, housing and sustainable funding and share insights on how to best serve their communities.
During the roundtable discussion, the mayors addressed several critical topics, including the Provincial budget, various funding sources for infrastructure, tax cuts and strategies to enhance Ontario's economic resilience in the face of tariffs.
Economic stabilization amidst tariffs: The mayors explored strategies for supporting local economies in the face of current tariffs. This included discussions on how municipalities can help local businesses to navigate the economic challenges and ongoing uncertainties posed by tariffs. Discussions also included the importance of investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and potential sources of long-term sustainable funding for municipalities.
Provincial infrastructure and housing support: The discussion highlighted the need for provincial support in advancing infrastructure and housing projects. There was a strong focus on the importance of accelerating the construction of new homes to address the ongoing pressures in the housing sector. The conversation also acknowledged the recent challenges resulting from changes to development charges. Additionally, there was a shared commitment to balancing the need for more housing with the importance of protecting the environment. The mayors also addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with asset management, particularly with regards to maintaining roads, parks and recreation facilities. There was a request to the Minister for the Province to relook at the formula that determines funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund as it is not inclusive to small urban municipalities, making it difficult to meet housing development targets due to the lack of funding for infrastructure.
Illegal trucking: The mayors shared insights and strategies on how to combat illegal trucking activities, including companies that operate businesses in contravention of existing zoning bylaws, that negatively impact their municipalities.
MPP Mulroney spoke about the province’s commitment to streamlining approval processes for housing and infrastructure, exploring sources for sustainable funding for municipalities, and working with all levels of government to fully understand the impacts of tariffs so we can build a more resilient economy.
These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared commitment among the mayors to address these challenges effectively. The insights gained from this roundtable will guide future actions and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in their municipalities.
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Contact:
Mayor Steve Pellegrini
Chair, Small Urban Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Mayors (SUM-GTHA)
905-833-4029