The City of Cambridge is pressing the Ontario government for greater support on mental health and addictions treatment, critical flood infrastructure and new municipal privacy requirements following a series of meetings with provincial officials at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Conference.
Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett and senior municipal officials used the Ottawa conference to advocate for provincial action on issues the city says carry significant implications for public safety, municipal finances and economic development. The city’s priorities included sustained addictions and mental health care, cost-sharing for the Riverside Dam and efficient implementation of privacy requirements under Bill 97.
Cambridge Holds 15 Delegations With Ontario Ministries
Liggett represented the Ontario Big City Mayors caucus, the City of Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo during 15 delegations involving a range of provincial ministries.
The meetings included officials responsible for Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Attorney General, Solicitor General, Health, Finance, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Seniors and Accessibility, and Long-Term Care.
Liggett and Cambridge City Manager Rob Axiak led the city’s delegations, accompanied by senior municipal staff responsible for the issues under discussion and members of city council.
The annual AMO conference gives Ontario municipalities an opportunity to meet directly with provincial ministers, parliamentary assistants and senior officials to raise local concerns and seek government support.
“Every municipality is facing complex challenges that cannot be solved by local governments alone. Our meetings at AMO were an opportunity to bring Cambridge’s priorities directly to provincial decision-makers and advocate for practical solutions that will improve public safety, strengthen our community, and protect taxpayers. We look forward to continuing these conversations with the Province.”
- Mayor Jan Liggett, City of Cambridge
City Seeks Sustained Mental Health and Addictions Treatment
A major focus of Cambridge’s advocacy was increased provincial investment in addictions and mental health treatment.
Liggett shared experiences she has heard directly from Cambridge residents about the impact of the ongoing crisis on individuals and families. The city argued that insufficient access to sustained treatment can result in people repeatedly relying on emergency services.
That cycle, according to the municipality, increases pressure on police, firefighters, paramedics and hospitals while creating additional costs for local taxpayers.
Cambridge called for investments that place greater emphasis on prevention and continuing treatment rather than relying predominantly on emergency responses when people reach a crisis point.
Riverside Dam Funding Linked to Flood Protection and Economy
Cambridge also requested provincial cost-sharing for the Riverside Dam, describing the structure as critical flood-protection infrastructure with benefits extending beyond municipal boundaries.
Recent flooding has increased concerns about risks to nearby infrastructure, including the CP rail line. The city warned that a significant disruption could have wider consequences for major employers, transportation networks and future economic development.
Provincial financial participation, Cambridge argued, would help protect homes and businesses while improving the resilience of transportation infrastructure used to move Ontario-made goods to markets inside and outside the province.
Cambridge Offers to Pilot Bill 97 Privacy Requirements
The municipality also addressed new privacy impact assessment requirements under Bill 97.
While supporting the objectives of the requirements, Cambridge proposed becoming a pilot municipality to test standardized templates, training programs and shared tools designed to make implementation more consistent and efficient.
The city believes a pilot could establish a practical model for municipalities across Ontario, helping reduce duplicated work, improve compliance and limit additional administrative costs.
Public Safety Issues Remain on Provincial Agenda
Beyond its three central AMO priorities, Cambridge said it will continue raising concerns related to public safety, including the impact of encampments and the resale of stolen scrap metal in Ontario municipalities.
The city plans to continue discussions with provincial partners over the coming months as it seeks measures supporting Cambridge residents, businesses and the broader Waterloo Region.
Cambridge has previously used the AMO conference to advocate for local investments and strengthen relationships with the provincial government.
Those efforts have contributed to funding commitments including $19.5 million for the Beneva Recreation Complex and $1 million for the expansion of the Preston Memorial Auditorium. The municipality has also secured increased electrical capacity and electrification initiatives intended to support economic growth.
With infrastructure demands, public safety pressures and regulatory responsibilities continuing to affect municipal budgets, Cambridge officials said ongoing provincial partnerships will remain important to advancing the city’s priorities and managing costs for local taxpayers.