Virtual Ontario Good Roads Association 2021 Conference Next Week

The Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) conference will be held virtually next week and has an agenda packed with progressive new ideas for participants to share within their communities.

OGRA is committed to advancing the infrastructure and transportation interests of its members through training, advocacy and services.

The organization’s four main business objectives are:

• To advocate the collective interests of municipal transportation and public works departments through policy analysis, assessment of legislation and consultation with partners and stakeholders.
• To provide affordable and accessible education and training services.
• To promote leadership with regard to infrastructure asset management.
• To develop plans, programs and partnerships for the delivery of services that meet the needs of municipal transportation and public works departments, while recognizing the contribution of the corporate sector.

Representing the City of Belleville at this year’s conference will be City Councillors Garnet Thompson and Ryan Williams. The City’s General Manager, Transportation and Operations Services, Joseph Reid will be speaking at Monday’s Making Your Smart Community Pilots Successful session where municipalities, large and small, are highlighting pilot projects they have successfully deployed.

“In particular I will talk about how we completed our annual sidewalk inspection last summer,” said Joseph Reid.  “The advanced technology robot we used in the summer of 2020 is available and developed right here in Ontario. The OGRA conference enables municipalities across Ontario to connect and learn from the experience of others. This annual conference is a valuable resource and each year we take away ideas that help us serve our community better.”

The virtual conference will be held from Feb. 22 to Feb. 25.