keynote speakers announced for O.R.F.A.'s annual awards & recognition banquet

Her Worship Mayor Hazel McCallion, C.M., City of Mississauga

“Canada’s Infrastructure in Crisis: Impact on Municipal Recreation Facilities”

Many of the local infrastructure costs once paid for by the provincial and federal governments have now been passed onto municipalities. Municipalities, while responsible for two-thirds of public infrastructure, do not have the funds to maintain it. In fact, Mississauga is currently projecting a $1.5 billion infrastructure deficit over the next 20 years. Despite repeated requests from cities for funding, the federal government has chosen to use the $11.6 billion federal surplus to reduce the GST and introduce income and corporate tax cuts.

The economic growth of cities has helped the federal government generate this surplus. It is critical that the federal government invest back in cities across Canada or they will struggle to maintain their competitive edge.

Mayor McCallion will share her thoughts on the current state of municipal infrastructure and funding and on the collective work being done by cities across Canada through the Cities Now! initiative.

Jim Ralph, Media Personality

“Hockey and Humour”

Best known for his dry, self-deprecating sense of humour and his comical impersonations of famous Canadian sportscasters, Jim Ralph is a former pro hockey player who spent seven years as a minor league goaltender. After retiring from hockey in 1989, Jim began his broadcasting career by co-hosting Rinkside, a weekly half hour hockey show that aired on TSN. He has also been a reporter for Global Television's Sportsline, and was co-host of Molson Leaf Hockey on the Global Television Network. Today, he covers the Toronto Maple Leafs as colour commentator on their radio broadcasts, where his insightful observations and entertaining anecdotes, keep fans informed and entertained.
Mr. Ralph’s guest appearance is sponsored by Black & McDonald

Government of Ontario’s Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative

The Ontario government Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) supports the efforts of communities to restore and revitalize their public infrastructure. This will result in improved local public facilities and services that make Ontario an even more attractive place in which to live, work, visit and invest.

This one-time, $450-million program is intended to help municipalities provide safe and reliable local infrastructure.

The funding builds on ReNew Ontario. Under that plan, Ontario and its partners will invest more than $30 billion over five years in hospitals, schools, universities and other major projects. Ontario will invest an additional $60 billion in ReNew Ontario over the next 10 years.

MIII complements other provincial investments that support a strong and resilient economy, continued growth, and better quality of life in a wide range of communities across Ontario.

List of successful applicants

News Release

Backgrounder