Municipalities NL wants government to commit to a funding model in the upcoming budget

MNL President Amy Coady says communities are facing many long-standing infrastructure issues which get more expensive to replace over time.

Although a date has yet to be announced, Municipalities NL wants government to commit to funding in the upcoming budget. MNL President Amy Coady says communities are facing many long-standing infrastructure issues which get more expensive to replace over time. As well, she says there are regulations put in place by the federal government that 100% of wastewater has to be treated by the year 2040 and this comes with huge costs. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada has notified staff at Corner Brook city hall saying the city is a high-risk system and non-compliant, meaning no transitional time without a solid plan for sewage treatment That means the city could face fines,  penalties and even jail time for elected officials or staff. Coady says municipalities need a funding model in order to provide clean drinking water and clean oceans. She says it’s a challenge that all communities are facing. 

Coady says municipalities don’t collect enough money through taxes to be able to offset these costs and be able to maintain infrastructure that is required. 

As well, she says the lack of cellular service in rural areas is a serious public safety issue when people can’t call for service. 

Coady says more resources and funding is needed for volunteer fire departments that rely on community fundraising to provide essential public safety services.