Final FONOM board meeting before election covers several topics
Several issues were up for discussion as the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) recently held its final board meeting of the current municipal term.
Those included safer highways, sustainable municipal funding, policing costs, access to health care and the future of the forest sector.
“Our communities need reliable infrastructure, accessible services and the financial capacity to support growth,” says FONOM President Dave Plourde. “The municipal election will bring changes around council tables, but these priorities will continue to guide FONOM’s work on behalf of Northeastern Ontario.”
FONOM says Highway safety remains a central issue, including advocating for 11/17 twinning.
“Highways 11 and 17 are essential to the movement of people and goods across Northern Ontario and Canada,” said Plourde. “We will continue pressing for a federal-provincial partnership to complete twinning and deliver the safe, dependable transportation network that northerners deserve.”
Municipal financial pressures were another focus, including policing and fire service funding, infrastructure grants, and more. assistance with official plan and zoning by-law reviews.
The agenda also highlighted physician recruitment and retention, emergency shelter needs, intimate partner violence, mental health and addictions, and the importance of maintaining access to services across a geographically large region.
“Municipal leaders see these challenges in their communities every day,” says Vice President Maggie Horsfield of North Bay. “Working together through FONOM allows us to bring those local experiences to the provincial and federal governments and advocate for practical solutions.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to thank outgoing board members, Deputy Mayor Danny Whalen of Temiskaming Shores and Councillor Sandra Hollingsworth of Sault Ste. Marie, who have chosen not to seek re-election.
“Danny and Sandra have brought dedication, experience and a strong commitment to Northern Ontario to our Board,” says Plourde. “Danny’s leadership, including his service as FONOM President, and Sandra’s contributions have helped strengthen our collective voice. We thank them for their service to FONOM, their communities and the North.”
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
