AMO celebrates municipal innovation with Peter J. Marshall Awards

The annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference and AGM looked different than usual, shifting to an online format due to the pandemic, but one constant was the recognition of local government innovation.

Presented on the opening day of the conference, August 17, by AMO Executive Director Brian Rosborough, this year’s Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award recipients were lauded for their innovative solutions to local issues.

“This juried competition recognizes municipalities demonstrating innovative approaches to improve capital and operating efficiency, and to generate effectiveness through partnerships or alternative service delivery,” Rosborough said. “The jury looks for tangible, measurable outcomes from new, more cost-effective ways of providing public services and facilities.”

For 2020, the jury’s deliberations resulted in three awards: a PJ Marshall Plaque award, indicating the highest award that can be made; and two certificates of merit awards.

City of Markham

The City of Markham received a plaque award for its Community Hub Partnership.

In the spring of 2018, the Aaniin Community Centre partnered with 25 organizations to launch the Aaniin Community Hub, which has grown to include a mix of regional government, health institutions, community agencies, associations, and clubs that offer professional and community-based services onsite.

The services include: diabetes awareness and care, mental health services, fitness and recreation, family social support, legal services, supports for new Canadians, employment and addiction support, and socialization.

The result, Rosborough explained, is a partnership model that leverages community resources where residents can access weekly services, and can attend free, meaningful wellness programming delivered by professionals in an accessible, safe, and welcoming environment.

“Community partners are able to reach new users, while the City of Markham can continue to deliver its mandate of recreation and library services in a vibrant, well used centre,” Rosborough said.

Township of South Frontenac

The second award – a certificate of merit – was awarded for the Township of South Frontenac’s Private Lane Upgrade Assistance Program.

The overall objective of the Private Lane Assistance program is to improve emergency vehicle access to properties located on private laneways. This is accomplished by providing up to 50 percent of eligible expenditures – up to a maximum of $7,000 – for specific types of upgrades that improve access for emergency vehicles.

“Since introduced in 2007, this initiative has leveraged substantial private investment by homeowners in upgrades to private lanes, while improving safety in the community,” Rosborough said.

Regional Municipality of York

The third award – a certificate of merit – was given to York Region’s YorkTrax program.

YorkTrax is a browser-based application developed by the municipality and used by York Region staff across multiple departments involved in the development application review process. It has replaced all other application review business systems in every department along with their associated data and document repositories.

Users are connected and aware of each other’s comments and insights and can “chat” online should any questions arise.

“Everyone knows what stage the application’s review or approval is in, and what it is for,” Rosborough said. “And – through the mapping window – can get an immediate impression of where it is and what’s nearby.”

Rosborough concluded his remarks by thanking all of the organizations that support the Peter J. Marshall awards, and the members of the 2020 jury for their time, insights, and experience.  MW

✯ Municipal World Insider and Executive Members: You might also be interested in the article: AMO 2019: Peter J. Marshall award honourees. Note that you can now access the complete collection of past articles (and more) from your membership dashboard.

Sean Meyer is Senior Content Editor for Municipal World. During his 25-year career in journalism, Sean has covered municipal politics in several small- and medium-sized communities and gained an understanding of the structure and political framework of government.

Related resource materials:

• Raising the Bar
• Guide to Good Municipal Governance
• Welcome To The Hall: A practical guide for municipal leaders