WELLAND – The Mayor and senior staff from the City of Welland will be in Toronto next week to attend the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) municipal conference and meet with provincial officials to discuss city projects and priorities.
Welland’s delegation is comprised of: Mayor Frank Campion; Chief Administrative Officer Gary Long; City Engineer and General Manager of Infrastructure and Development Erik Nickel; and senior public works managers.
The following meetings are confirmed:
Marie-France Lalonde – Minister of Francophone Affairs, and Minister of Correctional Services and Public Safety;
Kathryn McGarry – Minister of Transportation;
Arthur Potts, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Transportation;
Ernie Hardeman MPP - PC municipal affairs critic;
Policy Advisors – office of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.
Campion
“Our government relations strategy is getting results by raising the City’s profile, telling our story about growth and development, and building relationships with provincial decision-makers,” said Welland Mayor Frank Campion. “Having a presence at these municipal conferences is important to ensure we’re capitalizing on opportunities to advocate our position on important policy debates and that we’re staying abreast of the key issues and emerging trends we face in a competitive global economy.”
Long
“The focus of this year’s conference, the “Challenge of Change,” is very timely and relevant as Welland is changing and evolving as a result of increased growth and economic activity,” said CAO Gary Long. “It’s important that as an organization we are managing and leading change through innovation, collaborative approaches with residents and key stakeholders, and strategic partnerships with other levels of government.
“Good roads and infrastructure are the backbone of a strong and prosperous community, and essential for continued economic growth in Welland,” said City Engineer Erik Nickel. “The OGRA Conference provides a great opportunity to build relationships with Provincial partners that will ensure the needs of our roads and infrastructure can continue to be addressed in a sustainable and affordable way”.
The 2018 OGRA Annual Conference will take place from Sunday, February 25 to Wednesday, February 28 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Approximately 2,200 municipal leaders from across Canada and leading thinkers from around the world will come together to discuss topics of local, provincial, national, and international importance.
(Source: City of Welland news release)
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