Connectivity, transportation and housing.
Those are three issues that are top of mind for Councillor Bill Vrebosch at the virtual Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s (ROMA) conference.
One session he attended was with the Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development.
“Connectivity and Housing were mentioned by everybody and the Transportation item centered around supply chains,” says Vrebosch. “Without Connectivity people won’t stay because they are unable to do work and it also has a great effect on students.”
He also says transportation peaked his interest when another participant mentioned distribution hubs for goods.
“I will be contacting the minister about North Bay with the 10,000 foot runway. (The city) could be a distribution site for Northeastern Ontario,” Vrebosch says.
He also says housing is a big deterrent to new residents and old.
“People can’t find places to live. It’s an epidemic issue in the province,” says Vrebosch.
He plans on contacting the minister about the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
The RHI, delivered through Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) is a $1 billion program to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing.
The virtual ROMA conference continues through Tuesday.
Vrebosch is the Zone 9 and city representative on the ROMA board of directors.
