BRAMPTON -
A provincial budget focused on infrastructure, skills training and reducing poverty in Ontario is good news for Peel Region, although municipal representatives say Queen's Park must do more.
"Investments in people are what Peel needs now," said Peel Chair Emil Kolb. "We are encouraged that the Ontario budget includes a plan for investing in supports that help reduce the region's and the community's initiatives to reduce poverty."
Peel will benefit from a number of priorities laid out in Tuesday's budget including $135 million over three years to provide better dental care to low-income families, $32 million over three years to double funding for the Student Nutrition Program and two per cent increase in social assistance benefits in 2008-09.
Queen's Park also earmarked $100 million to rehabilitate social housing units, including energy-efficient improvements.
As well, Peel will receive increased funding for Ontario 211, a telephone hotline that helps residents access social service programs.
Kolb applauded the Liberal government's efforts to help the less fortunate and help municipalities with human services.
Currently, more than 14,000 families in Peel Region are on a waiting list for affordable housing.
Based on Peel's capacity to offer them assisted housing, residents would have to wait for about 21 years to get social housing, while seniors would wait for up to seven years.
Peel provides funding for over 13,800 assisted housing units and the $5.5 million coming the region's way will help, Kolb said.
"The cost of affordable housing is bigger than any one government can afford, therefore a partnership approach is needed, one that involves working closely with the provincial and federal governments," said Kolb. "At the same time, we are encouraged that the provincial government is investing in the housing stock they helped communities like Peel build over the last three decades."
Also featured in the budget is a $1 billion injection in new municipal infrastructure.
That money includes $497 million for public transit in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton $400 million for roads and bridges in communities outside Toronto.
Mississauga will see $39 million go toward a transit hub serving Pearson Airport and $26.5 million invested in transit corridor developments.
Transit money will also include $89 million over two years for inter-regional GO transit development and $600 million for Bolton GO transit improvements.
Approximately 24,000 new residents settle in Peel Region each year, most of them newcomers to Canada.
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