Regional Councillor Tom Insinna

April 16, 2026, Volume 7, Issue 16

At the recent Committee of the Whole meeting last week, a presentation was given regarding the 2026 Asset Management Plan. The report gives a snapshot of where the Region is now and where it will potentially be in the future. The total asset portfolio of the Region is estimated to be $12.1 billion, which includes, for example, vehicles, water/wastewater plants, roads, sewer and water lines, and properties owned by the Region. We have been hearing all through the budget process that there is a $2.8 billion investment backlog that staff feel needs to be updated or replaced. Now, of that $12 billion in assets, $3.3 billion is believed to be in poor or very poor condition, approximately 28%.  Over $870 million is in the very high-risk classification, representing over 7% of all assets. Please know that there is no danger to persons or property.

Back in December of last year, staff were asked to bring back a plan that balances taxpayer affordability and asset renewal and interventions. This was to be a risk-based analysis. If one project was deferred by Council, what are the ramifications and risks to the public and our community? The report went on to draw attention to the fact that, over many years, there has been underfunding of programs to bring assets to a stable position. Staff use a process where each department brings projects forward and are looked at by the senior management staff and prioritized. I reminded staff that during budget deliberations, their process was, what I believe, flawed. There was more of an emphasis on paving the parking lot at the Region than paving roads in our Town. This was just one example of the difference between what staff believe to be important and what taxpayers would demand. I was assured that staff would be looking through a new “lens” at projects and also the risks involved in not following through with them. After so many years of the same thing, I suggested that staff take a different approach to deal with the problems rather than go to the taxpayer, you and I, and ask for more and more money.

Upon my return to the area from a brief break, it was interesting to learn what is happening to the Region and what legislation has been put forward by the Province regarding governance regionally. As you are most likely aware, the Province is eliminating Regional Councillors and having local area municipal mayors as representatives at the Region. Included in legislation, the Province has given all Regional Chairpersons “strong Chair powers,” and the Chairperson of all the Regions across Ontario will be appointed by the Province. The details of the legislation are still forthcoming, and it will be interesting to see what it entails. It is believed it will be passed before May 1st, which is also the first day candidates can register for an elected position.

I have been fielding many enquiries from residents regarding my position. I am still at the Region until the end of the term in November this year. It continues to be a learning experience, and I am proud of my accomplishments during my time as Regional Councillor for Fort Erie.

Thank you for all your support. Please be kind to others and keep on smiling!