The Debate Starts Here

In early June, nearly 2,000 fellow Mayors and municipal leaders met from all across Canada,  from small municipalities to Canada’s largest cities, and made a united call for a federal leaders’ debate on the issues Canadians face in their day-to-day lives. Issues like how to create jobs, make housing more affordable, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep our communities safe. These issues are not just local issues, they are national issues.

They are national because they are common to cities and communities from coast to coast to coast. And they are national because the measure of a strong Canada lies in the strength of our hometowns.

That is why I am joining voices with other mayors and municipal leaders from across the country to call on the federal party leaders to hold a debate on how we can work better together as levels of government on common goals.

It is easy to see why the Federal Government needs to work with Municipalities and debate Municipal issues.  Municipalities receive 8 cents of the tax dollar and own over 60% of all the roads, bridges, water and waste water infrastructure in the Country. We need the Federal Government to partner with our communities to fund transit to reduce gridlock, work on affordable housing, community safety and infrastructure that will ultimately improve our quality of life.

We want to live and raise our families in vibrant and healthy communities. We care about our economy prospering and jobs being created. We believe everyone deserves to have a roof over their head. We want to protect our environment and believe that clean water should not be a challenge for any community in a country like ours. We value the safety of our neighbourhoods. And we know that, as a country, we can be leaders on the international stage and that we all benefit from connecting globally. These are goals that transcend jurisdiction and partisan differences and warrant debate on how we can achieve them.

This fall’s federal election will be hard fought. I would like to hear the federal party leaders share their vision for cities and communities. How, if Prime Minister, their government would partner with municipalities to create jobs and drive growth? Or address local, national and international challenges like increasing trade and investment and climate change? How will they work with us to make Halton Hills and all of Halton Region more livable, safer and greener?

Some of the party leaders have already agreed to a debate but we need to highlight why this is needed.  Visit http://hometownproud.fcm.ca/ and sign the petition. We need to be asking the candidates of all the parties where they stand on municipal issues.

Today’s communities are tomorrow’s Canada. The debate starts here; where our potential as a country lives, works, plays and dreams.

Regards

Councillor Clark Somerville

Halton Hills Regional Councillor

1st Vice President of the federation of Canadian Municipalities

Top 10 Reasons you must vote on Oct 27th.. All trade begins on Main Street

WOW that's a big statement!  But think about it, all trade no matter how big or small starts on Main Street or another way in our own local communities.  A widget made in Halton Hills and sold in Rosewood Ohio is all part of our community.
About 5 years ago Halton Hills passed a motion on pushing back on the By American provisions.  What happened to it?  Well over 100 other municipalities agreed and it went to FCM to be debated.  To make a long story short it passed and a motion started in Halton Hills was debated nationally, actually internationally and was partially resolved in the White House.  Imagine as a Councillor passing something and having it debated and discussed in the White House!  Still surprises me!
The Buy American provisions proposed then are coming back and once again municipalities are pushing back.  Led again by Halton Hills.  Recently the US has tried to insert Buy American provisions into federally funded infrastructure projects.
Why should municipalities push back?  Because the US is wrong!  Our economies are so intertwined a product may start int he US have some work done in Canada and travel back and forth across the border with sub components added.  Municipalities should push back as there are literally hundreds of thousands of jobs at stake. We spend a fortune attracting new companies and ensuring our businesses have a good environment to work in.
But it also speaks to the importance of advocacy.  Of municipalities working and speaking to other orders of government on our needs wants and desires.
Our municipalities receive gas tax and GST rebates which help keep our taxes down and help us invest in our communities.
All of us locally want to build our communities and have a health community, safe roads, a good business environment and engaged citizens.  By working together we can make it happen.
 

Top 10 reasons to vote on Oct 27th Number 4 Government closest to the people

Why vote in your municipal elections?  I have been trying to highlight the importance of it over the last few posts and last few years.
Local government is called "the government closest to the people" and without a doubt it is.
I use this analogy when I present at the Grade 10 Civics classes
If the Federal government stopped working when would you notice?  Unless you are travelling cross border, or serve in the military it may be weeks before you notice.
If the provincial government stopped it may be weeks unless you needed to renew a drivers licence or health card.  of course with Service Ontario you could be in line that long and given 3 different answers to the same question.
But if the local government stopped you would notice almost immediately.  The water for your morning coffee and shower is provided by your local government.  As is the police, firefighters and paramedics that keep our communities safe.
Try driving on only provincial roads.  Well the 401 is good but once you exit it you are likely on Regional or town roads.
Our health departments working with the province provides inoculations for those travelling to foreign countries.  But also it leads the inspections to make sure our restaurants and pubs are safe, our servers trained and the water is tested.
All our parks, recreational facilities and roads are planned for by the local government.
How can you be part of it?  Contact the candidates, read their material and learn what is planned in your neighbourhood.
But it all starts with the simple act of voting.  it only takes about 5 minutes to do it.
Can you not spare 5 minutes to see how your tax dollars are spent?

Top 10 reasons to vote on Oct 27th Number 5 roads, transportation

Roads, we all hate to see them under construction and we hate that when their done the traffic increase.
Here is a secret about the road in front of your house.  It is not your road.  it belongs to everyone in the community and was paid for mainly by taxes.
Planning for roads, sidewalks, cross walks and any active transportation such as bike paths, or multi use paths starts years before they are constructed.  Sometimes it is because of property acquisitions or hydro lines need to be moved. Or it could be that a environmental assessment needs to be done to make sure no environmental harm happens from the road being done.
Whenever their is road construction their is inconvenience in some way.  Once the road is done the grateful residents who live near by can sometimes see increased speed and traffic due to the road work.
It is important that you as a taxpayer follow what roads are planned to be upgraded or improved in your neighbourhood.  Whenever road work is going to be done, a flyer is usually sent out to advise of it and some sort of public open house is held so you can provide input.  We usually try to coordinate the road work with the region so we don't have to rip up new roads for water or sewer works. Yes we hate it but sometimes it is unavoidable.
It is important as your tax dollars are going to work to rebuild roads.  We use federal gas taxes to assist in the work and are grateful for the gas tax fund and the money we receive from it.
Here is another secret about the province and the roads.  We get no money to rebuild roads unless it is a special one time grant.  those are as common now as unicorn sightings.
Halton Hills about 10 years ago started a pavement management plan for local roads.  it has been hugely successful and is helping us catch up.  We are a long way to go to do so and our Infrastructure deficit here in town is about 100 million dollars. The annual budget is about 30 million.
We have a long way to go and it is important that you work with your members of Council and staff to help make sure your priority roads area a priority.  How they plan to work with the Province, Metrolinx and the federal government on transit and transportation issues.
That all starts with a vote.  Call the candidates and ask where they stand on issues that matter to you.

Top 10 reasons you MUST vote on Oct 27th number 6 planning..

Now I am the first to admit that if you put a group of planners together in a room they may emerge all on the same page singing the same song.  Sometimes I have criticized them for not seeing the forest or the trees.

But planners play an important and vital role in our communities in deciding about changing use of a building, schools, firehalls, where new parks and recreation facilities should be located to new subdivisions and how they are designed.Sometimes we end up looking at plans that may not happen for 10 years.  Some are ones that will come to fruition in a year or 2.

The growth in our communities does just not happen by happenstance or willy nilly.  It is the result of many meetings, long discussions and public consultations.  Sometimes when we are looking at an area we will have a group of dedicated citizens sit on a committee to come up with plans and designs.

All of you planning decisions have a public process from Public Information sessions, to pen houses to full public meetings.  The information we gather from theses are vital for us as elected people to decide how our communities are going to look.  All of our meetings like these are advertised and notifications sent to people who live near by.

The best way you can be involved is by engaging your local elected official.  By working with them you can help shape the future of our town.  The best way to start that is to contact the candidates, talk to them and VOTE.
It all starts with a VOTE!  VOTE and make your voice be heard.

Top 10 reasons to vote.. number 7 school boards and trustees

Take out your tax bill.  Almost 1/3 of what you pay yearly is for our schools.  Whether a public or separate school supporter you are paying a lot of money to our education system.  That does not include the amounts (which are higher) paid for by industrial and commercial tax payers.  Nor does it include provincial grants they receive.

The Trustees elected play a vital role in the education and services that OUR Children receive during their school years.  From Senior Kindergarten to Grade 12 the education the services they receive you have a say over.

Our schools are full of passionate people who want to teach and we need to make sure the trustees give them the tools to do so.

In the past we have seen bad decisions by the school board over selling school sites, transportation issues  and other items.  But is it not important for you to meet your trustee?  Have a chance to talk to them and also for them to provide the liaison between the board and you.  They will work with the school parent councils on a regular basis.

It is important that no matter which system you support in Ontario that YOU as a voter learn about the candidates running for the school boards and what they stand for.  Do you not want to have your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews receiving the best possible education to position them in our ever changing world?
Remember Oct 27th is election day here in Ontario.  VOTE!

Top 10 List of why you MUST VOTE on Oct 27th Number 8 Recreation and health

Each year when your community allocates its budget, one of the largest items that is set aside is for recreation, health and active lifestyles.  Consider the parks, trails, bike paths, Senior Centres, pools and arenas, not to mention every other aspect of the social well being spectrum.  When you consider all these you can see that your local government has a interest in your well being, whether it is is health related or your social well being.

When we go to build new parks, or arenas or any other major recreation facility, we do not do it willy nilly.  It is after much consultation, consideration and planning.  Whether is a small neighbourhood park, a large community style park or an arena, we plan in advance as to where they will be located.
But recreation is more than parks.  It is also people.  Having services in our health, social services and recreation departments geared to people of all ages is a base competency of municipalities.

We provide daycare, seniors centres, learn to swim, day camps, adult day programs.  We also teach people active lifestyles with programs to learn to skate, swim, play tennis and the list goes on.

One of the reasons Municipalities do this is unlike the other orders of government, we can respond to the needs of your own community.  We can, based on what our community needs, plan programs that they want.
Halton Hills has a young community and the need for services geared for that will be needed for a while.  We have a high percentage of arena usage which predicated our need to build the arenas we are doing now.
We have an active seniors community and our commitment to their centres is evident by the recent expansion done in Acton and our finding a solution in Georgetown.
Our trail system has expanded greatly the last few years and are a very popular way for people to get exercise, socialize and remain active.
When the candidates come to your door ask about their views on recreation, health and social services we provide.

Top 10 reasons to Vote on October 27 in the Municipal Elections.. Number 10

 Number 10 All aspects of your everyday life are in some way affected by your Town or Region.

Some people think that voting municipally does not matter.  Boy are they wrong!  So many parts of your day are touched by municipal government.  Every day your local Town or Region has a impact on your life.  All of the items that touch you from the moment you get up to to to bed are in some way provided by your municipality.
Consider this: When you wake up and go to make your morning coffee, the water was provided by your municipality and it is clean safe water, your well can be tested for free by the Region to make sure it is safe.  The coffee arrived on roads paid for by your taxes and cleaned and repaired by the Town. That is even before you got to a shower or drove to work.
The Police, Firefighters and paramedics who keep our community safe are paid for by your local taxes.
The local parks and facilities are planned and paid for by your taxes.
Everyday people are making their voices heard by working with their Councillors, Mayor and Town Staff to shape the future of our community.
Get out and meet the candidates running for office in your community.  Ask for their views on items of importance to you and your family.
Check out the Halton Hills website to see if your on the Voters list.  Go to http://haltonhills.ca/

Should they not hear your voice?

“Seeds Sown for a Social Services Network”

April 30^th, 2014 - News Release

Over seventy people participated in a very successful one day workshop focusing on social issues in Halton Hills.  The event was held on April 25 at St. Andrew’s United Church.  Participants included representatives from Halton Region, the Town of Halton Hills, a wide range of “not for profit” groups and organizations, as well as church groups and private citizens.

Mayor Rick Bonnette’s address illustrated how the social component is an integral part of the Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy (ICSS), which was recently adopted by Council.  Damian Szybalski, Manager of Sustainability, Town of Halton Hills gave a presentation outlining the overall framework of the ICSS, and highlighted the contents of the Social component of the Strategy. The other three parts of the Strategy are the Economy, Culture, and the Environment.

Regional Councillor Clark Somerville explained the important role that Halton Region plays in the delivery of many social services in Halton Hills, including child care subsidies, subsidized housing, employment skills, managing the Ontario Works program, services for seniors, and mental health programs.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Joey Edwardh, Executive Director of Community Development Halton, gave the audience a snapshot of the demographic and social dimensions of Halton Hills as a community of communities.  She emphasized that social services enhance the quality of life of the entire community, and the importance of neighbourhoods as the core mechanism for people to look after each other. 

Beatrice Sharkey used the evolution of   the Cultural Roundtable as gave an example of how a small group of people can build an effective network to share information, improve cooperation and partnership, and increase the effective use of resources. She emphasized how the social services sector could benefit from such a mechanism locally.

Small group discussions tackling issues in the social services sector were animated and productive, and a key outcome was strong support for the concept of creating a structured ongoing network in the social services sector. Volunteers will be following up to make this concept a reality.

Event organizers David Clayton and Nancy Heinmiller, (who were the original co-Chairs of the Social component of the ICSS) said: “Our objective was to emphasize that the social services sector is as important as the other three components of the Sustainability Strategy, and to sow the seeds for a network that would bring greater cohesion and effectiveness to the social services sector in Halton Hills. We are pleased that we went some distance in achieving these goals, and greatly appreciate the help of the team who helped organize the event, and the enthusiastic participation of those who attended”.

-      30  -

Councillor Clark Somerville calls on Federal Government to fix Flaws in New Building Canada Fund

Halton Hills, On – Councillor Clark Somerville joined other members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors in calling on the Federal Government to fix serious gaps in the design of the New Building Canada Fund.  Those gaps could put much-needed infrastructure investments in Halton Hills at risk.

Councillor Somerville, who is also the third vice-president of FCM, issued the call in Thunder Bay, following a meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Board of Directors from March 5-8.

“Halton Hills welcomed the federal government’s investment in the New Building Canada Fund, the longest and largest infrastructure program in Canadian history,” said Councillor Somerville. “But it is critical that these gaps be addressed so that the program can meet the needs of this community over the next decade and give our residents the best value for money.”

Councillor Somerville joined other board members in calling on the Federal Government to work with local leaders to address flaws in the design of the BCF and to work to prevent similar concerns from emerging in the future by improving the quality of federal consultations with local governments.

In 2012-2013, consultations between federal and local governments led to ground-breaking federal infrastructure investments, including a commitment to a new 10-year, $14 billion Building Canada Fund (BCF), a two per cent annual index of the federal gas tax transfer, and a pledge to work with FCM on the detailed design and rollout of the plan. However, a lack of meaningful program design consultations followed and there was inadequate study and discussion of the issues.  This left important concerns with the New Building Canada Fund unaddressed and important questions unanswered.

Municipalities like Halton Hills own the vast majority of Canada’s roads, water systems, public transit and other core infrastructure, but to date they have received no clear indication that a fair share of the new BCF will be invested in vital future municipal The new BCF’s funding rules further reduce local flexibility by eliminating core infrastructure categories from eligibility, such as local roads.

 

 

“It’s not too late for the federal government to work together with us to resolve these issues,” added Mayor Rick Bonnette.  “It is our joint responsibility to do so. This community counts on its federal representatives to work with local leaders to make informed decisions that serve the people of Halton Hills and get the most out of every tax dollar.”

FCM speech

It was a great weekend at FCM and I am humbled by the support I have recieved.  Here is my speech I gave that morning to the delegates.

Good Morning Everyone, Bienevue

I am Clark Somerville, a Local and Regional Councillor for Halton Region, and I am a asking for your vote for 3^rd Vice President. 

I share your passion for strong local government.  I believe that municipalities are the true keepers of democracy in Canada as we ARE the order of government closest to the people. We listen, we work together and we respond.  But we can’t do it alone.

My Council role, like being 3^rd Vice President, requires balance. I deal with issues like poverty reduction, housing, public transit as well as the vitality and sustainability of our agricultural communities.  I deal with places that have high as well as no growth. I am someone who will meet YOU on the level.

I am willing to learn to improve myself and serve you.

We don’t know what the next 5 years will bring, but I feel I have the VISION to lead us as we move forward. I AM committed to FCM and to serving you and your communities.

Increasingly a rural /urban divide is being felt and we must remember that all of us have a tremendous amount to contribute to the agenda and WE AS AN ORGANISATION must strive to reach that,  we need to build bridges, not of steel and concrete, but of understanding between our large urban centers and our smallest rural areas. 

We need to find ways to keep OUR members engaged through  innovative ideas like  webstreamed meetings,  and pooling travel rewards programs to assist smaller communities in attending.  Let’s have the discussion.

We have made great strides with the Federal government but we can’t rest on our laurels.  We need to advance OUR municipal agenda and lay the ground work to build 22^nd century Canada.

Infrastructure means different things to different people.  Transit is not just roads but includes active transportation and public transit.  It must include our hospitals, recreational, senior and youth centres and a host of other projects we fund off our property tax base.  We need to make sure that ALL infrastructure is discussed.

We need to get aggressive on items that may be falling behind. 

We all know we need a better financial deal.

We need to enhance our partnership on trade issues as ALL trade and economic growth in Canada begins on Main Street.  We ARE the front line.

Canada is only as healthy as our cities, towns, regions and rural areas.

We must take EVERY opportunity to remind the Federal government of our needs. 

Together let’s make our voices heard.    Together, elect the candidate with vision, passion and commitment to advance your needs as your future President.  Together elect Clark Somerville as your 3^rd Vice President.

Je vous demande d’élire Clark Somerville pour le TROI-ZI-M  vice-président de la FCM.

Remember Click on Clark 

Clique Sur Clark

I ask for your vote.

Why I am running for FCM 3rd VP

I’m Clark Somerville a Local/Regional Councillor for the Town of Halton Hills and Halton Region. I’m also a candidate for 3^rd Vice President of FCM.

I have served on the Board of Directors and the Ontario Caucus of FCM for the last 4 years on various committees.  I am currently the Vice Chair of the Rural Forum and have served as the Chair of the Housing Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee.  I have actively participated in the annual Advocacy Days and other FCM events, such as the Sustainable Communities conference.

All of us who run for municipal government have a passion to serve our constituents, to make our communities better and to help plan and guide them into the future.  I share that passion.  We know we need to collaborate, build consensus and listen to our citizens.  We need to be willing to adapt to, and  listen and learn as new items come forward.  The one constant we know, is change.

I feel my background provides me with a unique perspective and balance to represent you as 3^rd Vice President.  My community, while on the edge of the Greater Toronto Area, is both urban and rural.  I see daily the challenges and conflicts that happen as our cities and towns grow and the pressures that it places on our rural and agricultural communities.  As Chair of the Halton Health and Social Services Committee, I see the need for affordable housing and other social programs that assist those in our communities who may be on the lowest spoke of life’s wheel. 

All of us are facing challenges with our infrastructure deficits and tightening budgets. We need to ensure that when we talk about building much needed infrastructure, that it’s not only roads and bridges but also the social infrastructure our communities need.

Over the last few years FCM has made tremendous gains with the Federal Government and we need to capitalize on this and ensure that our voices continue to be heard.  We need to listen to the concerns of our communities and act on them. 

It’s important that all FCM members are able to participate and we must explore innovative ways to engage them.

Municipalities have a role to play in the economic development and the strength of our nation.  Whether it is manufacturing, agricultural, resource based, or tourism, municipalities must be recognised for the role they play in building our nation.  All trade travels on Main Street and we should be treated as partners.

FCM is a dynamic organisation and its 3^rd Vice President should be someone who will work and help advance our agenda.  FCM needs someone who will work to bridge the rural/urban divide that is felt increasingly as Canada grows.  It needs someone with a vision and passion for municipalities.

On June 2^nd Vote Clark Somerville for 3^rd VP of FCM.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.  My email is clarks@haltonhills.ca or phone at 905-703-6388.  Visit clarksomerville.com

About Clark Somerville

Growing up on a farm just outside of Acton, Clark saw first-hand the value that agricultural and rural areas play in the vitality of our communities.  Clark has served as a Halton Hills Local Councillor and Halton Regional Councillor for over 17 years His ward encompasses both urban and rural areas, and as a result Clark has continuously advocated for protected the countryside and the Niagara Escarpment from being designated for future highway corridors and growth areas.

Municipally, Clark has served as a member of the Halton Regional Police Services Board, Chair of Halton’s Health and Social Services Committee, Vice President of the Halton Community Housing Corporation and a variety of other committees.

Clark has worked with various community groups such as Poverty Free Halton, and has been an advocate for accessible and affordable housing.  He has supported transit passes for low income earners as well as worked to ensure that all official plans include inclusive neighbourhoods and affordable housing options

During his 5 years working on FCM, Clark has served as the Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee as well as the Rural Forum.  He also served as Chair of the Housing Committee and has been a member of the Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation, International Relations and the Corrections Canada Working Group along with the DFAIT Working group on trade issues.  He was instrumental in founding the “Men4Women” Group that annually raises money for the Mayor Andree Boucher Memorial Scholarship.  Clark also led a fundraiser for the Angel Street Women’s Shelter, in Iqaluit, which brought much needed supplies to the residents of that area.

“I feel my background and unique perspective provides me with the valuable tools to be the 3^rd Vice President of the FCM, “ said Clark Somerville .  “As a Local and Regional Councillor, I understand the issues facing our communities, whether its immigration services, affordable housing, transit or other services that matter to our residents. There is a need for us to continue to work in partnership with the Provincial, Territorial and  Federal government to ensure our communities are sustainable.”

It’s important  that whoever is elected, understand  the uniqueness of all the areas of our country.  Canada’s rural communities have huge housing challenges as well as infrastructure needs that could cripple their ability to pay.  As our natural resource sectors grow its essential to ensure that the rural communities have the necessary services in place.

“I have the experience and the balance as a Councillor who represents a largely rural and urban area, in the fast growing Greater Toronto Area, to understand and work with all areas of the country.  I believe in being open and approachable and always welcome feedback on all the issues,” commented Clark Somerville “I look forward to and appreciate your support.”

À propos de Clark Somerville

 Ayant grandi sur une ferme juste à l'extérieur de Acton, Clark a vu de première main la valeur que les zones agricoles et rurales jouent dans la vitalité de nos communautés. Clark a servi de Halton Hills Conseiller local et régional pour plus de 17 ans sa paroisse englobe à la fois les zones urbaines et rurales, et en conséquence Clark a toujours pousser en faveur de la protection de la nature et de l'escarpement du Niagara d'être désigné pour corridors routiers futurs et les zones de croissance.

Localement, Clark a servi en tant que membre de la Commission des services de police régional de Halton, présidente du comité des services sociaux et de santé de Halton et, vice-président de la Société de logement communautaire de Halton et une variété d'autres comités.

Clark a travaillé avec divers groupes communautaires tels que la pauvreté gratuite Halton, et a été un défenseur de logements accessibles et abordables. Il a soutenu les titres de transport pour les personnes à faible revenu ainsi que veillé à ce que tous les plans officiels comprennent quartiers inclusifs et des options de logements abordables.

Au cours de ses cinq années de travail de la FCM, Clark a servi comme vice-président du Comité de développement socio-économique ainsi que le Forum rural. Il a également servi en tant que président du Comité du logement et a été membre du comité des finances municipales et le Comité intergouvernemental sur les relations, les infrastructures municipales et transports, relations internationales et le Groupe de travail sur les services correctionnels du Canada avec le groupe de travail du MAECI sur les questions commerciales. Il a contribué à la fondation du groupe "Men4Women" qui soulève chaque année des fonds pour la Bourse d'études pour la maire Andrée Boucher.  Clark a également mené une collecte de fonds pour le refuge de l'Ange, rue des femmes, à Iqaluit, qui a apporté des fournitures indispensables pour les habitants de cette région.

Je croie que ma jeunesse et mes expériences et la perspective unique me fournit les outils précieux pour le 3ème vice-président de la FCM », a déclaré Clark Somerville. «En tant que conseillère municipale et régionale, je comprends les problèmes auxquels font face nos communautés, qu'il s'agisse de ses services en matière d'immigration, le logement abordable, de transit ou d'autres services qui comptent pour nos résidents. Il est nécessaire pour nous de continuer à travailler en partenariat avec les gouvernements provinciaux, territoriaux et fédéral pour que nos collectivités soient durables ".

 Il est important que celui qui est élu, comprenne le caractère unique de toutes les régions de notre pays. Collectivités rurales du Canada ont des problèmes de logement énormes ainsi que les besoins d'infrastructure qui pourrait paralyser leur capacité de payer. Comme nos secteurs des ressources naturelles poussent il est essentiel de s'assurer que les communautés rurales aient les services nécessaires en place.

«J'ai l'expérience et de l'équilibre comme un conseiller qui représente une zone essentiellement rurale et urbaine, dans la région du Grand Toronto et sa rapide croissance, de comprendre et de travailler avec toutes les régions du pays. Je crois qu'il faut être ouvert et accessible et toujours recevoir des commentaires sur toutes les questions », a commenté Clark Somerville" J'ai hâte de vous entendre et je vous remercie de votre soutien. "

New federal long-term infrastructure plan must provide secure, predictable funding for Ontario rural communities, says FCM(26/02/2013)

TORONTO - The federal government's new long-term infrastructure plan must provide secure, predictable funding for rural municipalities, said Federation of Canadian Municipalities' board member Clark Somerville, to delegates gathered today in Toronto for the 2013 Combined Conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA).

"Predictable funding is key for good planning, but it is also essential for Canada's long-term economic prosperity," said Somerville. "Without predictable and long-term funding partnerships, it is impossible for rural municipalities to maintain infrastructure that is used not only by rural citizens, but also by the industries operating in rural Canada that form the backbone of our economy and contribute to over 50% of Canada's exports."

Like larger cities, rural communities need a full range of public infrastructure, from roads and water supply networks to libraries and community centres, to protect their quality of life and foster new economic development. With secure, predictable funding, municipalities will be able to budget efficiently and develop long-term repair and replacement plans for aging infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water and wastewater facilities.

"Rural Ontario's contribution is vital to our national economy," said Somerville. "To secure Canada's long-term economic growth, we need rural Ontario communities to have the infrastructure and services to support growing businesses and working families, and compete globally."

The federal government has committed to have the long-term plan in place before current federal infrastructure funding programs expire in March 2014. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) says Canada needs a twenty year plan with predictable funding to fix its crumbling infrastructure. FCM is proposing new investment through predictable programs that will ensure matching provincial and municipal dollars, cut red tape and further leverage private sector investment.

In addition to the ROMA/OGRA conference, FCM is taking part this week to the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, where it will speak to the importance of long-term, predictable infrastructure funding for rural communities.

Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for FCM's third Vice President

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2013

Today, at Regional Council, Halton Hills Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for third Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). He received unanimous support from Regional Council. Councillor Somerville has served as a Board member for FCM for 5 years and is one of 11 elected to serve Ontario. He has served on the rural forum, and committees dealing with Infrastructure, Finance, Social Economic Development  and Intergovernmental relations.

“Clark has been instrumental in advocating for Halton and for the much needed funding for our projects,” commented Regional Chair Gary Carr.  “It’s because of the advocacy efforts of Clark and Regional Council that we have been successful in receiving funding for infrastructure and housing projects across Halton.”

“Clark has the advantage of a balanced perspective on both rural and urban issues,” said Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills. “If elected, this will give a stronger voice to FCM about the needs of Canadian communities.”

“After careful consideration and consultation with my colleagues across Canada, I have decided to file my papers to run for third Vice President of FCM,” said Regional Councillor Clark Somerville.  “I am humbled by the support shown by Regional Council, and am looking forward to this opportunity to better represent Halton and advocate for our community’s needs.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of Canada’s municipalities, speaking for almost 2000 cities and communities representing 90 per cent of Canada’s population. Its national Board is comprised of municipal leaders from across Canada, and meets quarterly to set policy priorities.  The election will take place at the FCM annual conference in June 2013.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; social assistance/Ontario Works; children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact:

Mabel Watt

Senior Strategic Advisor

Office of the Regional Chair

905-825-6050

mabel.watt@halton.ca