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PRESENTATION BY THE HONOURABLE TED MCMEEKIN, MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING REGARDING THE BUILDING BRIDGES TOUR.
Mayor Lehman welcomed the Honourable Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to Barrie City Council. Mayor Lehman indicated the significance of the Minister attending a Council meeting. He also provided information with respect to the Ministry, as well as of Minister McMeekin's predecessors. Mayor Lehman discussed Minister McMeekin's extensive experience in provincial and municipal politics and his volunteerism.
Minister McMeekin thanked Council for the opportunity to speak. He noted that he visited with members of Council from numerous municipalities. He indicated that he visits the City of Barrie frequently.
Minister McMeekin discussed his interactions with Mayor Lehman in his role as the Chair of Large Urban Mayors Caucus (LUMCO), and indicated that Mayor Lehman is one of his favourite Mayors.
Minister McMeekin advised he is touring the province to meet with municipal Councils to learn what is on their minds. He discussed the differing issues between smaller municipalities and larger municipalities as well as those in the Greater Toronto Area as approved to rural, northern municipalities. He commented on the many positive events and amenities of the City of Barrie including Kempenfest, Barrie Winterfest, and the Royal Victoria Hospital and noted that Barrie is a great place to work and raise a family.
Minister McMeekin reiterated that he was attending to hear from Barrie City Council on how to improve relations between the Province and municipalities. He commended Council on approving the Affordable Housing Strategy within its first 100 days. He also discussed issues he is intending to look at during his term including the review of provincial policy, the Ontario Municipal Board and eradicating homelessness. ...
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