Delegates heading to AMO with familiar messages

THUNDER BAY -- It's that time of year again when the city becomes a broken record, but representatives doesn't mind as long as long as the tune eventually gets results.

A delegation of city officials is heading down to the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference where they'll meet with more than a dozen ministries on everything from infrastructure to affordable housing in an effort to make sure the city gets its fair share of money.

While intergovernmental affairs committee chair admits the delegates aren't going with many new asks, face-to-face time with ministers is a great way to make sure projects eventually get off the ground.

"It doesn't hurt to repeat and reinforce what we're trying to do in the city," he said.

"Whether it's the event centre, the homes for the aged or the roads and bridges."

The city will be asking the province for financial relief to help with a recent loss of assessment for Resolute's mill.

"Other municipalities got relief so why shouldn't we," Virdiramo said.

The city has asked for relief in the past. City manager Tim Commisso said while other towns did see money from the province, Thunder Bay has still not received an official response more than two years later.

"We'd like a response either way," he said.

The city is also going to the conference asking the province that it change the way companies can appeal assessment decisions on non-residential properties.

Commisso said a report card on the city's last five years of heading to the conference is coming to council this fall.

The conference is being held in Niagara Falls from Aug.16 to 19.