For too long, Haldimand has left money and opportunity on the table when major projects are proposed.
The Community Vibrancy Fund shows that we can do better.
More than a decade ago, Haldimand became home to several large wind and solar projects under Ontario’s Green Energy Act. Many residents strongly opposed those projects, but municipalities had very little control over whether they went ahead.
Faced with projects that were coming whether the community wanted them or not, Haldimand made the best of a situation it could not control.
The Council and staff of the day negotiated Community Vibrancy Agreements requiring energy companies to make annual payments back to Haldimand over the life of their projects. Those agreements were among the first of their kind in Ontario, and Haldimand’s approach was later used as a model elsewhere.
The result was a long-term source of funding that has helped pay for recreation facilities, playground equipment, parks, trails, roads, infrastructure and other community improvements.
It is time to build on that idea.
The opportunity is to find more ways for major projects to generate lasting revenue for Haldimand.
That revenue could help pay for recreation projects, community facilities, infrastructure and other priorities. Reliable ongoing revenue could also help support the annual budget and reduce pressure on property taxpayers.
This connects directly with what I have already written about Haldimand’s tax base. Controlling spending, finding efficiencies and cutting waste all matter. We should also be looking for responsible new sources of revenue.
Hamilton has operated municipally owned businesses for years, including energy and telecommunications.
Neighbouring Six Nations has gone another route, taking ownership interests in major energy projects and using profits from its business interests to support community priorities.
Their structures are different from Haldimand’s, but they demonstrate something worth paying attention to.
When a major opportunity comes along, they ask how their community can share in the long-term value it creates.
Haldimand must be asking the same question.
Sometimes an annual payment like the Community Vibrancy Fund may still make the most sense.
Other projects may create an opportunity to share in ongoing revenue or own an interest in something that produces value over time.
One option worth exploring is a Haldimand Enterprise Group. In simple terms, it could give our county a way to hold and manage appropriate revenue-producing assets or interests for the benefit of Haldimand County residents and communities.
Any opportunity would have to make financial sense and protect taxpayers from risk.
More than a decade ago, Haldimand found a way to turn a difficult situation into lasting benefit for our communities.
As mayor, I will guide the next council to build on that thinking and make sure the next generation of major projects creates the greatest possible value for the people of Haldimand County.
