The Future of Species at Risk Policy is a Question of Credibility
A coalition of municipal leaders, chambers of commerce, unions, and the forest sector are raising alarm bells that draft provincial species at risk policy will jeopardize jobs in northern and rural Ontario. The Ontario Forestry Coalition has been repeatedly requesting that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) consult with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and industry leaders to address the impact that the proposed species at risk policy will have on the forest sector.
FONOM’s Call for Safer Northern Highways is Being Heard
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) commends the provincial government for recognizing the need to expand the time frame in which northern drivers can use studded tires. Studded tire use had been permitted from October 1st to April 30th and as weather conditions in northern Ontario have demonstrated snow and ice covered surfaces can appear on northern highways before and after the prescribed dates. Modifying the time frame to allow studded tires from September 1st to May 31st reflects a more accurate understanding of road conditions in the north.
FONOM Pleased with Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund Announcement
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) applauds the recent Provincial announcement of a permanent Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF). This $100 million annual fund will assist municipalities that have a population of 100,000 or less, have more than 25 per cent rural residents or are located in northern Ontario.