Municipal Services Office-Western Spring Provincial Update. AMCTO Zone 2 May 19, 2016

Transcription

1 Municipal Services Office-Western Spring Provincial Update AMCTO Zone 2 May 19, 2016

2 Note While we have worked to be as up-to-date as possible, the program information in this update is subject to change Some of the programs, practices and websites referred to are not those of the. They are the responsibility of the Ministry or municipality referred to Accordingly, if more information or greater accuracy is needed, we suggest that follow-up questions be directed to the appropriate Ministry or other source 2

3 Provincial Update 1. Local Government Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy Legislative Reviews Community Hubs 2. Provincial Programs Disaster Assistance Programs Updated Provincial Funding Programs 3

4 Housing: Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) Update 4

5 Context The Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), Realizing Our Potential, committed the government to update the province s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) to reflect lessons learned and new research on best practices related to housing and homelessness The PRS also committed the government to a long-term goal of ending homelessness in Ontario and to seek expert advice, including from those with lived experience, on: defining the problem; developing new measures to collect and track data; and, defining a baseline and setting a new homelessness-related target In October 2015, the report of the Expert Advisory Panel on Homelessness was released and in response, Ontario committed to immediate and longer-term actions On March 14, 2016, the government released the update to the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy 5

6 LTAHS Update Vision The strategy is based on an updated vision: 6

7 LTAHS Update Outcomes This vision is associated with two overarching outcomes: o o Decreased number of people who are homeless Increased number of households achieving housing stability Achieving these outcomes can potentially impact a range of associated outcomes, including long-term cost avoidance in other sectors such as: o o o o Decreased inappropriate use of emergency health care services Decreased use of policing and correctional services Increased employment Increased education outcomes 7

8 Housing and Homelessness System Transformation Current System Inadequate supply of affordable housing in many communities with financially unsustainable notfor-profit, co-operative and municipal housing stock Social housing wait list system that operates separately from parallel systems providing access to other forms of housing assistance Range of financial assistance from a limited number of highly-responsive Rent-Geared-to- Income (RGI) subsidies (tied to physical unit), to rent supplement programs and housing allowances Various supportive housing programs managed separately by different ministries, with different (and sometimes uncoordinated) access systems An emergency shelter system in transition to support stable housing options for people Transformed System A range of adequate and affordable housing options, provided by the private, not-for-profit, cooperative and municipal sectors Coordinated system so that people can access the assistance they need (both financial and nonfinancial) to achieve housing stability People with housing need can equitably access financial assistance that is responsive to their changing needs, is portable so that it moves with them, and encourages economic and social inclusion People are able to access appropriate housing and support services that best meet their needs Emergency shelters and homeless servicesystem provides responsive, culturally appropriate services to assist people to become stably housed 8

9 LTAHS Update Themes Theme 1. Appropriate and Sustainable Supply of Housing Description A. More Affordable Market Housing Enhance/expand land use planning and municipal finance tools to support the development of affordable housing Support small landlords through legislative changes B. Vibrant Non-Profit and Co-operative Sector Promote a vibrant non-profit and co-operative sector that operates on more business-like principles, while maintaining its social purpose and increasing supply wherever possible Disentangle the provision of social programs (municipal responsibility) from the provision of the physical asset (provider responsibility) 2. Equitable, Portable System of Financial Assistance A. Framework for a Portable Housing Benefit Develop a provincial framework for an income-based benefit that would form a best practice going forward for new investments, and shift current forms of financial assistance to the new standard as appropriate over time B. Simplified Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Calculations Meanwhile, streamline and simplify the calculation of RGI subsidies and administration by establishing new rules for in-year income changes and increased flexibility for Service Managers in calculating income 9

10 LTAHS Update Themes Cont d Theme 3. People-Centred, Efficient Housing Programs Description A. Modernized Social Housing Programs Articulate key elements for social housing programs in the future Undertake some immediate reforms to support modernization Commit to a process to define the path forward B. Coordinated Access System Move towards a more coordinated, effective system that better matches people with housing needs to an appropriate form of assistance 4. Indigenous Housing Strategy 5. Key Steps to End Homelessness 6. Evidence-Informed System C. Transformation of Supportive Housing System Commit to working with sector stakeholders to transform the supportive housing system, guided by a Supportive Housing Policy Framework Commit to an ongoing process of engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop an Indigenous specific housing strategy, reflecting the unique housing and homelessness needs of Indigenous communities Commit to policy changes and proposed initiatives related to provincial priorities and local enumeration that, combined with related initiatives in the strategy update and previously announced commitments, will support the government s key steps to end homelessness Continue to build an evidence-informed system that has the capacity to respond effectively to changing needs 10

11 2016 Ontario Budget Investments Building on the 2016 Ontario Budget investment of $178 million over three years, the government is making a long-term commitment to stable funding that will continue the transformation of the housing system The province is committing new operating and capital funding to support the following LTAHS Update initiatives: 1. Survivors of Domestic Violence Pilot Project Investing $7.4 million over two years to pilot a portable housing benefit for approximately 1,500 survivors of domestic violence, starting with $2.4 million in 2016/17 2. Supportive Housing Four Provincial Priorities for Ending Homelessness Providing more than $100 million in operating and capital funding over the next three years for new supportive housing to support up to 4,000 families and individuals with housing allowances and support services as well as supporting the construction of up to 1,500 new supportive housing units over the long term 3. Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) Building on the current annual investment of almost $294 million in funding for CHPI with $45 million in additional funding consisting of $15 million in and $30 million in Innovation, Evidence and Capacity Building Fund Investing up to $2.5 million over three years to create an Innovation, Evidence and Capacity Building Fund to support research, evaluation and capacity building initiatives 11

12 Local Government: Legislative Reviews 12

13 Legislative Reviews: Current Status Ontario is reviewing four key elements of Ontario s municipal legislative framework: the Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and the Municipal Elections Act The government launched the review of the Municipal Act, City of Toronto Act and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act on June 5, Consultation closed on October 31, 2015 The (separate) review of the Municipal Elections Act launched on May 28, Consultation closed on July 27 th, 2015 Consultation has included: Regional meetings with municipal representatives across the province Meetings with AMO, the City of Toronto, AMCTO and other municipal organizations Meetings with experts and academics (e.g. municipal integrity commissioners) A ranked ballot implementation working group (clerks, ranked ballot advocates, AMO) Public engagement through the Ministry website 13

14 Municipal Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and City of Toronto Act What we heard We received approximately 350 submissions, including submissions from over 70 municipalities. Heard from the public, municipalities, municipal associations, community groups and other key stakeholders on a range of important issues, including: More direction around compliance with and enforcement of the conflict of interest rules; More guidance and advice on conduct and ethics for local members; a range of opinions amongst stakeholders on the issue of new municipal revenue tools; Make it easier for municipalities to update their governance structures to reflect changing local circumstances and needs; Clarify municipalities powers to address climate change matters. Next steps The ministry is assessing the feedback received and will develop recommendations on how to improve the legislation under review. We anticipate introduction of the proposed changes later this year. 14

15 Municipal Elections Act Review Objectives of Review: Ensure municipal election rules are clear, simple, and reflect how modern campaigns and elections should be run. The rules should enhance public confidence in the democratic process and in locally elected officials Allow more choice for municipalities in how municipal elections are run by considering how to give municipalities the option of using ranked ballots in their elections In addition to ranked ballots, the consultation also asked about campaign finance, third party advertising, accessibility and enforcement 15

16 Municipal Elections Act Review What We Heard The review received over 3,400 responses from the online consultation, including from municipalities, clerks, municipal stakeholders and many members of the public Most submissions were from the public, expressing support for giving all municipalities the option of using ranked ballots. Other suggestion included: Need for greater clarity of campaign finance provisions, and suggested more definitions and simpler, clearer rules and prescribed forms Strengthen compliance and enforcement of the Act Shorten the municipal election campaign and nomination periods Look for new approaches to developing the municipal voters list A summary report of What We Heard can be found on the Ministry s website: 16

17 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Proposed Changes to the Municipal Elections Act Proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act would: o o o Aim to ensure that the rules governing how municipal leaders are elected are clear and reflect how to run modern campaigns and elections Give municipalities the option to use ranked ballots and propose to regulate third party advertising to increase transparency in municipal elections, as well as shortening the election campaign period Help ensure campaign finance rules are appropriate, clear and simple to follow and easier to enforce More information on proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act can be found on our website: Bill 181 has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs through which public hearings will be held on May 5 and 12, You can watch the hearings live here: You can make written submissions on the Bill here until May 12, 2016: %20English%20Ad.htm 17

18 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Key Areas Ranked Ballots Election Calendar Eligibility to Run Voters List Accessibility Third Party Advertising Campaign Finance Enforcement Election Administration 18

19 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Option of using ranked ballots Campaign calendar shortened o o Nominations open on May 1 st New requirements for nomination process Regulating third party advertising o Contributions and spending limits 19

20 Bill The Election Modernization Act Clearer campaign finance rules and easier to follow for voters, candidates and contributors o Municipalities have the option to ban corporate and union donations Voters List o Easier to add or change information on the voters list Enforcement o Nomination fee only refundable if the financial statement is filed on time. Election Administration o Required policies on use of municipal/school board resources 20

21 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Compliance and Enforcement The proposed changes to the legislation would: Focus on encouraging compliance and transparency Give all municipalities the option to ban contributions from corporations and unions Help voters, candidates and contributors better understand the election rules and encourage compliance 21

22 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Ranked Ballots As part of the consultation, the ministry formed a ranked ballot working group, with representation from clerks and election administrators, ranked ballot advocates, academic experts, voting technology vendors, and other municipal stakeholders The group identified potential challenges to implement ranked ballots in municipal elections, and evaluated approaches to address these issues 22

23 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Campaign Finance Campaign Finance Rules Changes may include: Allowing candidates to accept contributions through modern forms of payment, including internet banking, credit and debit cards and PayPal Providing for greater flexibility for candidates and address concerns from various stakeholders and the public regarding campaign contributions and the use of municipal resources The ministry reviewed municipal campaign finance rules to ensure that the rules are clearer for both voters and candidates, and to ensure fairer and transparent elections 23

24 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Third Party Advertising Proposed changes include: A new framework to regulate third party advertising in municipal elections Only those who are eligible to make contributions would be able to register as third party advertisers Limits on the amount that could be contributed to a single third party advertiser and to two or more third party advertisers registered in the same municipality A spending limit based on the number of eligible electors in the municipality 24

25 Bill Municipal Elections Modernization Act Voters List We will continue to work to make it easier: For voters to add their name to the list To make changes to their information For clerks to remove the names of deceased electors from the list We will continue working to develop solutions to ensure an accurate voters list over the long-term 25

26 Local Government: Community Hubs 26

27 Community Hub Advisory Group Findings The Community Hubs in Ontario: A Strategic Framework and Action Plan was released August 2015, by the Community Hubs Framework Advisory Group The group was chaired by Karen Pitre, the Premier s Special Advisor on Community Hubs The Report can be found here: Findings from the engagement process indicated an overwhelming interest in and appetite for the development of community hubs The Advisory group outlined in the Action Plan challenges that community hubs have encountered. Challenges tended to fall into the categories of planning, integrated service delivery, and community infrastructure/public properties 27

28 Community Hub Advisory Group Recommendations The Action Plan outlines the following recommendations: 1. A Provincial Lead for Community Hubs 2. Foster Integrated Service Delivery 3. Develop a Provincial Strategy for Public Properties 4. Remove Barriers and Create Incentives 5. Support Integrated and Long-Term Local Planning 6. Ensure Financially Sustainable Community Hubs 7. Increase Local Capacity 8. Evaluate and Monitor Outcomes 28

29 Community Hub Advisory Group Next Steps Next Steps The government has indicated its support for the all of the recommendations and its intention to begin implementation The Special Advisor and ministries are working together to implement the recommendations The Special Advisor, in partnership with government, will continue to engage with stakeholders and the public to bring forward ideas and inform the implementation of the recommendations 29

30 Integrated Planning for Community Hubs There are 27 recommendations in Community Hubs in Ontario: A Strategic Framework and Action Plan. MMAH is leading policy exploration of the following recommendation: Require integrated planning to ensure client-focused service delivery regardless of jurisdictional boundaries (provincial, municipal, school board, health and agency) From November 30 December 18, 2015, MMAH hosted six forums across Ontario to get feedback from subject matter experts on the following: Tangible barriers that are preventing integrated service planning across jurisdictional boundaries Tangible solutions to overcome these barriers Leading models and mechanisms that can better support integrated service planning in community hubs We heard about: Innovative approaches to integrated service planning (local planning tables/networks) Examples of community hubs that actively engage in integrated planning Challenges that limit collaboration and integrated planning (e.g. access to resources) Opportunities for governments, service providers and other service delivery partners to explore how to effectively facilitate integrated planning Read a summary report of the feedback received at Ontario.ca/cjq9. Additional feedback, or ideas to integrate planning for community hubs can be sent to: planningforhubs@ontario.ca 30 30

31 Provincial Programs: Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians 31

32 Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance will reimburse municipalities for eligible extraordinary emergency response and repair costs. Key program features: Municipalities will now have four months, rather than the current 14 working days, to assess costs and request provincial assistance. The eligibility threshold has been lowered to 3% of a municipality s Own Purpose Taxation in disaster-related costs, from 4%. There is a new cost-sharing formula. If a municipality qualifies for assistance, the Province will reimburse 75% of eligible costs up to 3% of the municipality s Own Purpose Taxation. The Province will reimburse eligible costs above 3% of the municipality s Own Purpose Taxation at 95%. 32

33 Provincial and Municipal Cost-Sharing Formula Pg. 6 Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance: Program Guidelines 33

34 Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians will help disaster victims repair or replace essential property and cover other eligible emergency costs. This program is not a substitute for insurance. Key program features: Program activation is a provincial decision. Municipalities will no longer submit a request to the Province for assistance. The Province will work with a private adjustment firm to process claims, eliminating the need for Disaster Relief Committees. The new program will do away with the current requirement for volunteers to fundraise in order to receive matching provincial assistance. Claimants will receive assistance based on program guidelines, not community fundraising capacity. 34

35 Program Materials The Minister announced on February 22 at the ROMA/OGRA conference the new programs would be effective as of March 1, Program materials are available on the Ministry s website: MSO staff are available to make presentations on the new programs to councils and municipal staff on request. 35

36 Chatsworth declares state of emergency due to flooding 36

37 Updated Provincial Funding Programs for Municipalities 37

38 Updated Provincial Funding Programs for Municipalities Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the expansion of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and the Connecting Links program in February at the ROMA/OGRA combined conference The OCIF will triple from $100 million to $300 million per year by , with $200 million in predictable, formula-based funding and $100 million in application-based funding, allowing smaller municipalities to apply to invest in critical infrastructure projects. Premier Wynne also announced increased funding for Ontario's Connecting Links program. Connecting Links will provide $20 million in , up from $15 million announced in the 2015 Budget, to help municipalities pay for the construction and repair costs for designated connecting links -- municipal roads that connect two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to a border crossing. Funding for this program will increase to $30 million per year by

39 Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015 The Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015 was proclaimed into force on May 1, It includes a number of provisions to advance strategic, evidence-based long-term infrastructure planning and investment. As part of this, it includes an authority to develop regulations requiring standardized municipal asset management plans. In the coming months, the province will be consulting with municipalities on the development of these regulations. 39

40 Expanded Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund The Premier announced the expansion of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) on February 22 nd, By , OCIF will total $300 million a year. $200 million of this will be formula-based. Municipalities will also be able to accumulate formula-based funding for up to five years to address larger projects. Application-based funding will also increase from an intake of $50M per year in 2016 up to $100M by The application process will be improved to include more targeted eligibility, and a greater focus on the health and safety aspects of projects. Details will be announced this Spring. 40

41 Funding for Asset Management Tools Funding partnership with the Municipal Finance Officers Association provides: One on One AMP Expert Assistance 20 small municipalities Customized AMP Group Training 75 small municipalities Communities of Practice Resources Self-Assessment Tool Projects are expected to be completed by mid

42 Upcoming Events in MSOW PLANNERS FORUM - Friday, October 28, 2016, Four Points Sheraton, London TREASURERS FORUM Thursday, November 3, 2016, Best Western Lamplighter, London CAOS FORUM Thursday, December 1, 2016, Best Western Lamplighter, London 2016 ONTARIO WEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE, Friday, December 2, 2016, Best Western Lamplighter, London 42

43 Discussion / Questions 43

44 MSO Western Staff Contacts Municipal Advisor (Bruce, Grey, Middlesex) Luanne Phair (519) Municipal Advisor (Huron, Perth, Waterloo, Wellington) Spencer Sandor (519)

45 MSO Western Staff Contacts Director Ian Kerr Manager, Community Planning & Development Scott Oliver Senior Municipal Finance Advisor Janice Hensel Manager, Local Government and Housing Roger Moyer Team Lead, Regional Housing Tony Brutto Team Lead, Planning Erick Boyd 45