Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic recently joined Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) to meet with federal and provincial representatives and discuss shared priorities for Ontario cities. The OBCM caucus met with:

Discussions included the effective delivery of new federal and provincial infrastructure programs, issues of housing affordability and how together, all orders of government can build strong, resilient cities. 

"Cities are committed to being partners in solving the housing and affordability challenges facing Ontario," said Mayor Vrbanovic. "That partnership must include effective tools and coordinated investments in infrastructure that our residents and businesses rely on every day."

Discussions emphasized the critical role municipalities play as delivery partners for infrastructure and housing programs, and the need for funding frameworks that are predictable, timely, and flexible enough to reflect local priorities and on-the-ground realities.  

"Ontario's cities are on the front lines of housing delivery and economic recovery," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, "Municipal governments are ready to deliver, but we need funding programs that are designed with local implementation in mind and don't create unintended consequences that will slow much needed infrastructure and housing. I am confident that our government partners listened to our feedback and together, we can move forward in a constructive manner."

Mayor Vrbanovic and Ontario's Big City Mayors will continue working collaboratively with our government, association and industry partners to advocate for policies and investments that both reflect the realities facing Ontario's cities and, recognize municipalities as key partners in delivering national and provincial priorities.