Town of Grimsby Advocates for Key Priorities at 2025 AMO Conference

The Town of Grimsby was well represented at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held in Ottawa from August 17 to 20, 2024. The annual AMO conference brings together municipalities, provincial ministries, and sector leaders to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing issues facing communities across Ontario.

Mayor Jeff Jordan, Councillor Lianne Vardy, Councillor Jacob Baradziej, Councillor Veronica Charrois, Councillor Jennifer Korstanje, along with senior Town staff, participated in three key delegations with members of the Provincial Government to advance the Town’s strategic priorities.

The Town’s delegations focused on three pressing issues:

1. Mental Health and Addictions Support

• • Advocating for expanded provincial investment in treatment centres, community services, and local programs to address the growing mental health and addiction crisis.
  • Requesting additional tools, resources, and protections for municipal frontline staff who increasingly interact with individuals in crisis.
  • Seeking clarity on the role municipalities should play to ensure health care responsibilities remain within the provincial system.

2. GO Transit Project

• • Requesting confirmation of the timeline for the Environmental Assessment (EA) required to move forward with the Grimsby GO Station site.
  • Highlighting the importance of integrating the Casablanca interchange redesign with transit-oriented development to accommodate growth and strengthen connectivity.
  • Seeking a commitment to have the EA completed in 2026, so planning and communication with residents can proceed.

3. WSIB Transitional Support

• • Advocating for transitional provincial funding to assist lower-tier municipalities like Grimsby in moving from Schedule 2 (self-insured) to Schedule 1 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
  • Addressing the unsustainable rise in WSIB costs, which have increased significantly in two years.
  • Highlighting how legislative changes, have increased financial exposure for municipalities.

As updates on funding or program commitments become available, the Town will share information with the community through its website, social media channels, and local media.

The Town’s advocacy program is instrumental in creating positive impacts in the Grimsby community both in the short and long term.

Quotes

“The AMO Conference is an important opportunity to meet directly with provincial leaders and advocate for the needs of our community. From mental health supports to ensuring two-way, all-day GO Transit service is delivered, and addressing the growing financial burden of WSIB costs, Grimsby continues to push for solutions that protect our residents, support our frontline workers, and prepare our community for the future.” Jeff Jordan, Mayor of the Town of Grimsby.

“Our advocacy at AMO is critical to ensuring Grimsby’s voice is heard at the provincial level. These discussions help us strengthen partnerships with the Province and advance projects and initiatives that directly impact our community’s health, financial stability, and ability to grow responsibly.” Sarah Kim, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Grimsby.

Media Contact

Christina Davidson

Communications Specialist, Town of Grimsby

cdavidson@grimsby.ca | 905-945-9634