Priorities

Advocating for 10.6 million Ontarians.

The purpose of MARCO is to bring together Mayors and Chairs of Ontario’s largest communities to advance advocacy, policy, and solutions that will make life better for the over 10.6 million Ontarians they serve.

Ontarians are counting on all levels of government to defend their interests through economic turbulence and solve their top concerns—affordable homes, homelessness and addictions, community safety, and the rising cost of living. MARCO members are key partners for tackling Ontario’s challenges.

Keeping Ontario Strong through US Tariffs

US tariffs and economic uncertainty could cost thousands of jobs, hurt local businesses and industries, and cost Ontarians more for everyday goods.

We need to keep Ontario’s economy moving, keep Ontarians working, and keep the essential services Ontarians depend on sustainable. That means accelerating critical local capital projects that support housing and trade, and supporting essential local services through cost spikes.

Infrastructure for Homes and Jobs

We’re at the centre of Ontario’s housing crisis—already home to 75% of Ontarians and some of the fastest-growing areas in Ontario.

Without essential municipal infrastructure—toilets that flush, roads that connect, and pipes in the ground—houses can’t be built and businesses can’t expand. And every $1 invested in infrastructure delivers up to $6 return.

We need to catch up and keep up with growth, unlock more homes, and stimulate Ontario’s economy. That means long-term, predictable, and substantial infrastructure funding.

Homelessness

MARCO members are on the front lines of the heartbreaking homelessness crisis, delivering homelessness supports, supportive housing, public health, paramedics and ambulances, and income supports. We see where the system works—and where it fails.

We need tools to empty encampments by moving people into housing and supports—and keep them from filling back up by preventing more people falling into homelessness.

That means expanding homelessness prevention funding right now, giving service managers integrated and sustainable funding to use where it’s needed most, and tackling the root causes of homelessness.

Learn More

simple tent of houseless person in park, homeless tent camp on a city street

Team holding printed research on sustainable growth funds and analyzing market trends during a financial meeting, sustainable growth, investment planning

Municipal Finances

MARCO members deliver services that are provincial responsibilities everywhere else in Canada, including social services, housing support, long-term care, public health, and ambulance services—costing more than $5 billion in 2023.

Every property tax dollar spent subsidizing the province’s books is a dollar that can’t be spent on priorities that are growing fast—like policing to keep residents and our communities safe.

We need to free up property tax dollars so our municipalities can invest more in Ontarians’ priorities and quality of life. That means reversing cost downloading and reduce the province’s reliance on municipal property taxes.

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