The Town of Lincoln remains actively engaged with key provincial ministries to address important community challenges including growth, development, affordable housing, investment in community and transportation infrastructure, sustainability development, among other priorities.

"The annual AMO conference allows us to champion our strategic priorities and collaborate with provincial ministries on critical issues affecting Lincoln's future," said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. "We continue to look for ways to meet the needs of the community while meeting the needs and seizing the opportunities available by our partners at upper levels of government."

"Our delegation engaged directly with key ministries, including the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, to advance Lincoln's top priorities," said the Town's Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos. We discussed critical issues such as water infrastructure funding, cybersecurity, heritage designations, and sustainable museum funding. These efforts are crucial as we continue to advocate for the resources that will propel our community forward."

Deputy Mayor Greg Reimer added that this year's Lincoln delegation to AMO 2024 was steadfast and deliberate in advancing Lincoln's top community priorities. "Our participation at AMO is just one way Lincoln's government relations program is advocating for funding and policy changes that will bring continued prosperity to Lincoln's residents and businesses."

Key priorities discussed were:

Niagara Irrigation Project

The Town of Lincoln, along with partners Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, met with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to request that the Province continue with its for potential irrigation solutions, including the proposed funding for infrastructure studies as required. The Town and partners emphasized that agriculture plays a crucial role in Niagara's economy and food security and contributes over $1.4 billion to the Regional GDP. Despite the industry's critical role in the economic and social well-being of Niagara businesses and residents, the ever-prevalent impacts of climate change have resulted in more frequent cycles of drought-like conditions, posing a direct threat to food and economic security.

Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) Plan Area

The Town's delegation with the Ministry of Natural Resources requested increased flexibility and timeliness to support development applications within the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) Plan Area. Town officials noted that as a rural community with limited industrial development potential, the Lincoln's true economic opportunity rests in our rural areas, and that increased flexibility and timeliness is needed when it comes to development applications. The Town asked the Ministry that when the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) review occurs in 2025, they update policies, permissions, and allowances to better align with municipal needs.

Multi-year funding allocations to support municipal infrastructure and programs

The Town met with the Ministry of Finance to request increased funding through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and provide multi-year allocations to municipalities that would better enable long-term planning.

Support for community infrastructure projects

During this meeting with the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Town's delegation sought funding from the Province to support Lincoln's potential community hub and affordable housing project at the former Beamsville District Secondary School site, and for financial assistance to support the redevelopment of Jordan Lions Park. Both community-focused projects require significant investment to come to fruition. Investments by upper levels of government would decrease burden on the local taxpayer.

Enhanced Cybersecurity

Town officials met with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement to request additional funding to support new cybersecurity measures. These measures would aim to protect the Town against potential cybersecurity attacks and ensure business continuity and service delivery.

Heritage Designation and Cultural Funding

The Town delegation met with the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to request that the Province further extend the process to designate heritage properties in order to allow the Town more time to research properties for designation, due to resourcing and financial pressures. The Town also requested additional funding through the Community Museum Operating Grant (CMOG) to support the growth and development of the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre's cultural assets.

The Town of Lincoln remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and seeking provincial support to address critical challenges, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for community members.

As information becomes available regarding grants and funding received through the upper levels of government due to these advocacy efforts, the Town will share them with the community through our website, Lincoln.ca, social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn) and traditional media channels. The Town's advocacy program is vital in creating positive impacts on the Lincoln community for our present and future.

For media inquiries, please contact:

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Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230