Clearview wins AMO Federal Gas Tax Award

Ottawa, Ontario, August 21, 2018 – Clearview Township has been recognized by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for using the federal Gas Tax Fund to launch a local public transit service. Lynn Dollin, AMO President, presented the award today to Clearview Mayor Christopher Vanderkruys at the Annual AMO Conference in Ottawa.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with municipalities to ensure that they are ready for tomorrow’s challenges,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The federal Gas Tax Fund allows municipalities like the Township of Clearview to invest in public transit infrastructure projects that help build strong, sustainable communities now and for decades to come.”

Clearview Township is a small community of 14,500 residents, but it is growing. By launching a transit service now, the Township is actively anticipating the needs of residents and business owners and can consider expanding transit as local needs change over time.

“Clearview Township has successfully used the federal Gas Tax Fund to meet local transportation needs,” said Pat Vanini, AMO’s Executive Director. “Public transit can make an enormous impact in a community, no matter the size.”

Transportation in rural communities can be a challenge for those without regular access to a car. With help from the federal Gas Tax Fund, Clearview has been able to implement an affordable, reliable transit system that gives residents options for transportation. The bus route serves all major points of interest in the Town of Stayner, including the Town Hall, grocery stores, parks, residential areas, retirement homes, schools, medical centres and more. Bus stops are located in accessible locations throughout the Township.

“The federal Gas Tax fund assisted Clearview in the successful launch of the Township’s first transit system,” said Mayor Christopher Vanderkruys. “The current route only serves a community of 4,500 residents, but ridership has grown to a consistent level of over 1,000 riders per month. Investing in transit with assistance of the federal Gas Tax Fund will allow the municipality to enhance the service over time as our community continues to grow. We are also actively working on plans to expand service to other urban and rural areas of the Township.”

The AMO Gas Tax Award is given out each year to municipal governments that demonstrate excellence in the use of the federal Gas Tax Fund. The Awards highlight infrastructure projects that make a difference in our communities by addressing local needs, creating economic growth or achieving environmental outcomes.

The federal Gas Tax Fund is a permanent and stable source of funding for municipal infrastructure. AMO delivers the Fund to Ontario’s municipalities, except Toronto, twice a year, on a per capita basis. This approach means that federal funding can address the diverse needs found in all of Ontario’s municipalities. AMO will administer $647 million from the Fund in 2018.

You can learn more about the federal Gas Tax Fund in Ontario by visiting www.gastaxatwork.ca or @GasTaxinOntario on Twitter.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments. AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system.