The calls for a “new deal” between Ontario’s municipalities and the provincial government are growing louder, as cities and towns across the province struggle to keep up with rising demands on overstretched budgets.
What’s happening is that for years, municipalities have relied heavily on property taxes and development fees to fund services, but with mounting responsibilities offloaded by the province, many are at a breaking point.
"We heard from the Premier this morning that he shares municipalities concern about their finances, but there's really been no talk about a new deal for municipalities or anything like that," said Mayor of Mississipi Mills Christa Lowry, who is also ROMA Chair.