AMCTO was pleased to participate in the first in-person ROMA Conference since 2020! We participated in the trade show, took part in delegation meetings to advance our advocacy priorities, and attended concurrent and plenary sessions. It was great to connect with municipal colleagues throughout the province.

The conference included participation from political leaders across the province, including Chief Stacey Laforme, Premier Ford, incoming Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles, Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark, Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson also addressed delegates.

Of note, Minister Clark announced that the province is extending the deadline for implementation projects approved under Intake 3 of the Municipal Modernization Program and the Streamline Development Approval Fund. He also announced $936 million in funding for municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators for 2023-24 and 2024-25 through the National Housing Strategy. 

Minister Clark also announced an upcoming consultation on railway crossing maintenance led by Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation.

The conference also brought back the Ministers’ Forum, with participation from over 20 cabinet ministers. Delegates raised important questions about rural health care including funding for mental health, water and wastewater infrastructure, and municipal insurance.

Provincial News Release: Building All of Ontario