The stated objective of this blog is to “provide a forum for the DISCUSSION of economic, social, and environmental sustainability in Bruce & Grey Counties. Readers may wish to read and respond to the Ontario Government's vision for us, a small extract of which follows below.
There is a lot in this paper saying what we need but little to say how to accomplish it. It seems to focus a lot on what the Municipality should or can do and little on what Ontario should or can do to support them! One wonders if it is just one of those “studies” undertaken so that Governments can say “we are considering it” and do little else! I hope that those that do submit a comment to the government will post a copy of their concerns here so that we can have a local DISCUSSION on the issues (Submissions to the government must sent by July 30, 2004).
GROWING STRONG RURAL COMMUNITIES - A CONSULTATION PAPER (DRAFT JUNE 2004), as posted on the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs web site at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/rural_plan/rural_plan_cslt.htm
A VISION FOR RURAL ONTARIO, STRONG RURAL COMMUNITIES WITH PROSPEROUS ECONOMIES, RICH CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE, AND THE CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE.
To support this vision, the plan for rural Ontario will focus on four themes. These four themes are inter-related and together contribute to the development of strong rural communities. They are:
* Sustainable Municipal Fiscal Capacity and Infrastructure;
* Strong Economies;
* Healthy Social Climate;
* Clean and Healthy Environment.
For each of the four themes, this consultation paper:
* describes challenges facing rural communities;
* sets out goals for growing strong rural communities; and
* presents some ideas for discussion on achieving these goals.
Strong rural communities strive to have:
* sufficient populations to sustain local economies (e.g. agriculture, resource development, manufacturing and tourism) and community services;
* reliable access to health-care services;
* quality education close to home;
* adequate and well-maintained infrastructure that supports economic prosperity, public safety and a high quality of life;
* diversified economies that provide a range of employment opportunities including well-paying, highly skilled jobs;
* clean and healthy natural environments that support public health and safety, economic activity and a high quality of life;
* active community participation and necessary leadership to build on community strengths; and,
* cultural and social services that promote diversity and vitality.
This consultation paper is available online, as is the accompanying workbook. Respondents can detail their opinions and ideas through the website of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at www.ruralplan.ontario.ca . Submissions can also be sent by July 30, 2004, by mail or fax to the following address:
The Rural Plan
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Rural Development Division, 4NW
1 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 4Y2
Fax: (519) 826-4336
If you have questions or would like further information, please contact 1-888-588-4111 or (519) 837-6313, or e-mail at ruralplan@mah.gov.on.ca.
Comments
In case you missed it our
In case you missed it our local MP is to chair the newly formed Rural Caucus.
Miller chairs committee
New duties for Bruce Grey Owen Sound MP Larry Miller.
He has been elected as the chair of the newly formed National Conservative Agricutlural/Rural caucus.
Miller says the 25 MP's who make up the caucus are from all regions of the country and this will be a good vehicle to discuss the needs of those rural constituents.
The Bruce Grey Owen Sound MP says some of the issues they will be dealing with include leveling the playing field for trade in agriculture, rural mail delivery, broadband internet services, rural health care and rural economic diversification.
Miller says he hopes the caucus can bring some of these rural issues to the forefront of the Ministers involved.
He says if you don't know about a problem, then its pretty hard to fix it.
Miller says the cacus will meet twice a month, begining in September in an efort to tackle these issues.
http://www.radioowensound.com/news.php
Sounds like a good idea with MPs from across Canada, pity they are going to wait till the fall to start, I wonder how much impact they will have with their leader / party or if it will be just another committee / study going nowhere.