West Lincoln Champions Library Services and Safe Escarpment Crossing at 2024 ROMA Conference

NEWS RELEASE

West Lincoln Champions Library Services and Safe Escarpment Crossing at 2024 ROMA Conference

For Immediate Release: January 24, 2024

West Lincoln was well represented at the 2024 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference, held in Toronto from January 21 to 23, 2024. Mayor Cheryl Ganann, Councillor Joann Chechalk and Regional Councillor Albert Witteveen participated in two delegations with members of the Provincial Government, advocating for funding to support library services and for safe escarpment crossing.

Township representatives also secured a future delegation with Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, to request that financial support be increased to address Asset Replacement Plan funding deficits. This delegation will take place virtually on February 20, 2024.

Library Services

Township representatives met with Laura Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, to request a review of requirements outlined in the Ontario Libraries Act and an increase the Public Library Operating Grant (PLOG). Despite a scheduling conflict, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff ensured that a representative from his office was also in attendance for this delegation.

Despite substantially increased costs for materials, including hardcover books, e‑books, magazines, learning resources, AV equipment, computers and technological equipment, program materials, plus facility maintenance, utilities and staffing, the financial contribution made by the Provincial government has not changed in many years. For example, the West Lincoln Public Library’s operating expenditures has increased from $350,100 in 2013 to $847,640 in 2023, however, the annual Provincial contribution then and now remains $22,900.

Municipal Councils are responsible for providing the majority of the funding for libraries out of municipal tax dollars, however, the discrepancy between the Provincial grant and the percentage of library budget now deemed necessary to maintain the standards of the Ontario Public Libraries Act is becoming untenable for smaller, more rural municipalities like West Lincoln.

Libraries serve as dynamic hubs that embrace inclusivity, remaining one of the few spaces in our society that provide unfettered access and services to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of socio-economic status or other barriers. The West Lincoln Public Library provides enormous value to the West Lincoln community.

Township representatives said the delegation was very well received and the ensuing conversation was constructive and encouraging.

North-South Escarpment Crossing

Township representatives met with the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, to request that the Province include the North-South Escarpment Crossing as a priority in the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2051 Transportation Plan, to ensure a coordinated approach between Niagara and the Province on this critical infrastructure. Township delegates also requested confirmation that the future widening of the QEW, from Fruitland to Highway 406, will be included in the Plan. MPP Oosterhoff was in attendance supporting this delegation.

The Ministry has previously confirmed its support for this crossing, as it will provide additional transportation system capacity, redundancy and resiliency, greater safety for local communities as well as efficient commercial vehicle operations, while ensuring Ontario remains open for business with the effective movement of goods and people.

As Niagara’s population continues to grow and commercial traffic increases, it is paramount that the Province prioritize the future growth of Niagara’s transportation corridors, to foster good movement throughout the Region, offer alternative routes off the QEW, and provide safe escarpment crossing. This issue is of extreme importance to the future growth, economic stability and overall safety and well-being of West Lincoln and its neighbouring communities.

Township representatives said they were heartened by discussions with the Minister about the progress of this project and his ongoing communication with the Niagara Region as it undergoes work on the Terms of Reference in preparation for the future Environmental Assessment required to move an Escarpment Crossing forward.

For notifications and important updates, remember to follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln.

Quote:

“It always fills me with pride and gratitude to be able to represent our Township at the provincial level. Delegations were positive and productive, and I am optimistic that we made great strides in advancing long-term goals that will have a direct and positive impact for our residents. I’d like to send a special thanks to the Rural Ontario Municipal Association for creating this opportunity to connect and build rewarding relationships, and to my colleagues for standing with me to champion a prosperous future for West Lincoln. I look forward to continued discussions.”

Cheryl Ganann

Mayor

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