By: Lauren Pelley
Every four years, CivicAction holds a summit to discuss the biggest issues facing the Toronto region. This year, it’s called the Better City Bootcamp, and the goal is improving the prosperity of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
A wide range of voices and experiences will be on hand at the April 28 event, thanks to the collective contributions of more than 600 civic leaders. They’ll be discussing some of the main challenges facing the region based on five themes: housing affordability and the growing need to match seniors’ health care to housing options; mental health and the workplace; childhood health and the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life; public spaces, physical activity and health; and increased density/weather intensity and the infrastructure needs of tomorrow.
The Star spoke with panellists representing these five themes to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the GTHA in the years ahead.
Infrastructure needs of tomorrow
Mary Lou O’Reilly, senior vice-president, Issues Management and Communications, Insurance Bureau of Canada
What do you see being the biggest challenge facing the GTHA over the next decade?
From the perspective of Canada’s home, car and business insurers, we have a real focus on the severe weather that’s linked in climate change. We can see devastating losses in our urban centres and we think it warrants civic action.
What are the infrastructure issues that stem from a growing population?
Sewer and waste-water systems. More people burdening those systems that are antiquated and out-of-date and need many billions of dollars to restore to their appropriate service levels. The more people living in a denser community, the more difficult a problem it becomes. No one wants raw sewage in their basements and, regrettably, it’s commonplace.
Is our region prepared to handle an increasing number of extreme weather events?
I think we’re prepared in the sense that the region is thinking about it, but that’s a long way from introducing all the elements of action that need to be put in place. Just the fact that we’re having this summit is a stellar example of the fact that the conversations are leading to action.
These interviews have been edited and condensed.
The 2015 CivicAction Summit — Better City Bootcamp is happening Tuesday, April 28. You can follow along at two regional satellite locations in Rexdale and Scarborough, through social media, or via an online livestream. For more information, visit http://www.CivicAction.ca/summit CivicAction.ca/summitEND.
Souce: www.thestar.com
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