Grenier appointed AMO caucus chair
Paul Grenier’s new position with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario has arrived just in time for a provincial review of regional governance.
The Niagara regional councillor representing Welland was elected Wednesday as chair of AMO’s regional and single-tier caucus, to a job he has been doing since taking on the role following the death of Durham regional chair Roger Anderson in March.
Having representation at the head of that committee “is important now more than ever,” Grenier said, referring to plans of the new Conservative provincial government to review two-tier governments across Ontario.
“All the counties and regions are going to be asked to evaluate their reason for existence and the kinds of services that they’re delivering to the public,” Grenier said.
Although he doubts megacities will be back on the agenda under the new government, he suspects the review could lead to more consistency between the roles that regional and local governments play across Ontario, as well as how they’re funded.
“Right now it really is all over the place … It’s not consistent and I think these are the kinds of things that the government wants to evaluate.”
After nearly 50 years in existence, Grenier said the review — ensuring the two-tiered system is working as it was intended — “is a good process to be involved in.”
As that review unfolds, Grenier said his position with AMO will give Niagara a more prominent voice than the region would otherwise have.
“It’s good for Niagara that one of the first invitations issued will be to myself through AMO to have those conversations,” he said. “I think it’s important for Niagara to be front and centre in those discussions … I hope that through my role I can share that with the Region and 12 area municipalities.”
Grenier said the executive committee of AMO’s regional and single-tier caucus meets with various provincial ministry representatives every six to eight weeks.
“Any legislation that touches municipalities comes through AMO for the initial consultation (as does) feedback from local governments about how it’s going to impact us,” he said.
Allan.Benner@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1629 | @abenner1
“All the counties and regions are going to be asked to evaluate their reason for existence and the kinds of services that they’re delivering to the public.”
PAUL GRENIER
Welland regional councillor