The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities held their regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ last weekend in Sudbury. The Board discussed a number of issues including changes to residential rental maintenance standards, proposed changes to the Building Code with respect to septic tank inspections, and the development of a woodstove exchange/replacement program as part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan.
The provincial government’s planned approach to engage municipalities during the upcoming District Social Services Administration Board review was also discussed. The board also discussed the upcoming FONOM/MMA Northeastern Municipal Conference being held in North Bay from May 10th to May 12th. The keynote speaker for the event will be Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin.
The recent provincial announcement to reduce hydro costs for residents was addressed at the meeting, including ongoing financial pressures of operating municipal facilities that aren’t subject to hydro cost reductions. FONOM President Alan Spacek says as the Province continues to shift to a carbon free economy, they will be watching closely how the cap and trade system will be used to assist municipalities increase their energy efficiency and lower costs.
The next meeting of the Board will be held prior to the annual conference in North Bay on May 10th at Nipissing University.
