Tag Archives: MP Gord Brown

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Westport’s Recipients of the Canada 150 medal

MP Gord Brown and MPP Steve Clark hosted a wonderful event at the Brockville Arts Centre on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 where they recognized 150 residents of Leeds & Grenville for their community leadership.  The award recipients were nominated by their Mayors, service clubs, non-profit organizations and family members.  The nominations, which came from all over Leeds & Grenville, were reviewed by a panel of judges, who selected 150 to receive a Canada 150 medallion which was designed by Gord and Steve.

Westport recipients were Bob Scott and Martha & Neil Kudrinko.  Congratulations from all of us in the Village who appreciate the efforts you put into making Westport the best place to live, work and play.

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Meeting with Eastern Region MPs on Parliament Hill – May 1, 2017

As the Warden of Leeds & Grenville, I am a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC).  The Caucus includes all of the Upper Tier Wardens of Eastern Ontario and is an advocacy group for issues shared across eastern municipalities.  Annually, the EOWC meets with the MPs who represent the federal ridings in eastern Ontario.  This morning we met with these women and men in Ottawa and discussed, among many things, infrastructure.  Our own MP Gord Brown joined the meeting.  Also in the below photo is Mr Andy Brown, CAO for Leeds & Grenville.

Gord, Andy, Robin May 1-17

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Federal government announces $57million for infrastructure rehab work on the Rideau Canal

Great News!  The government has announced an investment of $57 million to rehab the Rideau Canal.  I have attached the government’s media release here.  Thanks to MP Gord Brown, MPP Steve Clarke and our own Seamus Cowan for keeping the importance of the Rideau Canal front and centre for the past several years.

News Release

For immediate release

Government of Canada invests $57 million in Rideau Canal National Historic Site

May 10, 2016           Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency

Canada’s national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. These beautiful natural environments bring Canadians together, attract thousands of tourists to our country, and support our local economies.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced the installation of two paddle access points along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

These new paddle access points will ensure safe and easy access to the Rideau Canal for paddlers and their canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards, allowing even more community members and visitors to enjoy the history and beauty of this national treasure. The access points are located at Clegg Avenue and Patterson Creek in Ottawa.

These paddle access points respond to feedback from the local community and are an example of Parks Canada’s commitment to continually improving experiences for visitors to natural and cultural heritage sites.

Minister McKenna also announced a historic federal infrastructure investment of over $57 million in the Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Also, today’s announcement of over $57 million in additional funding for infrastructure work is the largest investment of its kind in the 184-year history of the Rideau Canal. The funding will be used to rehabilitate and repair bridges, dams, locks and historic masonry structures in communities along the Canal, more than doubling previously announced federal funding. This will improve the quality and reliability of visitor facilities and continue to allow Canadians to experience and enjoy this cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parks Canada continues to work with partners and communities to help the Rideau Canal be a premier tourism destination, foster recreation and support economic development along its whole length, from Ottawa to Kingston.

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Federal Budget and provincial government grant update

I watched with hope for the Village as the Liberals unveiled their federal budget yesterday.  The details are sketchy, however there is mention of green infrastructure grants for waste water treatment plants ($.50 from the municipality for each $1.00 from the government).  MP Gord Brown is also working on our behalf to learn about the criteria and time lines.  We will be awarding the contract for the detailed plans of the subsurface dispersal system to an engineering consulting company at our Council Meeting on April 4.  The RFP has closed and a team of technical people are reviewing the submissions.  The timing is good for us to make this grant application as we will soon be “shovel ready”.

Mr Bryce and I have concluded our meetings with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.  I would summarize their comments after hearing our appeal for this year’s OCIF 2 grant – that they have heard about our serious concerns and encouraged us to apply for OCIF 3 grant in April/May ($.90 for each $1.00) – there is no money left for this construction year.  We were also encouraged to ask to carry over the remaining portion of our OCIF 1 grant into 2017 when we apply for OCIF 3.  No promises were made, however we never heard the word “no” in regards to moving forward.

Please call if you have questions or concerns.