News Release
Atlantic Mayors to Meet in Halifax
(Thursday, April 24/2003)-- Infrastructure issues are likely to dominate discussions during the next two-day meetings of the Atlantic Mayors Congress in Halifax, Mayor Peter Kelly said today.
The Mayors and economic development representatives from at least 15 of the largest municipalities in Atlantic Canada will be attending the conference, to be held in the Council Chambers at Halifax City Hall.
Mayor Kelly said the Congress will hear a presentation by David Cohen, Director of Economic and Social Policy, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, regarding the pressing need for increased infrastructure funding across Canada.
"Municipalities, whether large or small, just cannot keep up with the growing demand for new infrastructure to accommodate new growth and development, In addition, this problem is compounded by the huge amounts of money required to repair or replace aging infrastructure. Eighty per cent of the population of Canada resides in an urban area, and the Federal and provincial governments have to recognize this in their funding for municipalities, " he said.
Mayor Kelly said delegates will also hear several presentations regarding technological issues facing municipalities, including one regarding HRM's new "integrated city program" (linking of all databases) to improve customer service.
There will be reports on economic development initiatives, as well as discussion on a proposed Tourism Protocol Agreement for municipalities represented by the Atlantic Mayors Congress.
The Atlantic Mayors Congress was established in November 2001. At the invitation of Mayor Kelly, the Mayors of 17 municipalities gathered in Halifax to explore the possibility of working together as a united front, on common issues; particularly in dealings with the Federal and provincial governments.
(Note: The business sessions will not be open to the media. However, Mayor Kelly and other officials will be available for formal briefings and media interviews at the noon breaks and at the end of the day. Sessions begin 8:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25th, and Saturday, April 26th.)
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
