Our conference professional development workshops are categorized into four distinct learning streams to help you decide which sessions are best suited for you and your role: Building Leaders, Building Teams, Building Commerce, and Building Procedures. Each stream offers interactive presentations and insightful discussions related to topical issues in Ontario's ever-evolving municipal sector. Learn more about our 2025 conference sessions and speakers below.
Building Leaders
Monday, June 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
As StrategyCorp does every year, we’ll pull back the curtain on the key issues that are shaping, or being shaped by, the evolving provincial-municipal relationship. Ontario may be in the lead up to a provincial election or right in the middle of it – only time will tell. We’ll talk about the 'issues du jour' that are impacting local governments, including housing, municipal governance, funding, and many more. We’ll also share what we think lays ahead for the sector so that you can support your teams and elected officials in building proactive, smart, and realistic advocacy strategies to help advance your intergovernmental priorities.
Presented by:
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Stacy Hushion
Vice-President, Strategy CorpStacy is a Vice President in StrategyCorp’s Municipal Services Practice and has worked in or with municipalities for nearly a decade. During her time at StrategyCorp, she has assisted dozens of municipalities across Ontario with strategic planning, organizational transformation, workforce development, and intergovernmental affairs.
Stacy has worked with major municipal organizations including the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Big City Mayors, Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Prior to joining StrategyCorp, Stacy served as Chief of Staff to a Toronto City Councillor. She holds an MA and PhD from the University of Toronto as well as a certificate in AMCTO’s Municipal Administration Program.Image
Sabine Matheson
Principal, Strategy CorpSabine is the founder of StrategyCorp’s Municipal Services Practice, which has served over 100 Canadian municipalities on a variety of projects relating to strategic planning, Council staff-relations, intergovernmental affairs, operational and organization reviews, policy development, and issues management.
A well-known commentator on the municipal world, she has served as an advisor to the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, Ontario’s Big City Mayors, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and others. She is also the principal author of StrategyCorp’s influential Annual CAO Survey, which gives voice to City Managers and Chief Administrative Officers.
Sabine previously served as Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In that capacity, she was deeply involved in the creation of Ontario’s municipal taxation and assessment regime, key reforms to Ontario’s Municipal Act and Planning Act, as well as the amalgamation the City of Toronto.Image
Hannah Tobias-Murray
Consultant, Strategy CorpHannah is a Consultant in StrategyCorp’s Municipal Services Practice, with experience on a range of files, including strategic planning, organizational and service delivery reviews, user fee reviews, and facilitation and engagement.
She helps her clients better understand their operating landscape through creation of a solid fact-base and analysis of key internal and external trends prior to engaging in organizational transformation exercises. Hannah is also an experienced facilitator and has supported a variety of community and interest-holder engagement activities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, and large-scale events.
She is a regular contributor to the development of StrategyCorp’s thought leadership, including its Ontario Municipal Chief Administrative Officer Survey, Ontario Police Services Board Chair Survey, and Ontario Non-Profit Housing CEO Survey.
Monday, June 9 | 3:20pm - 4:20pm
In this session, Information and Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim will explore the evolving landscape of access to information and privacy, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario's municipalities.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) impact municipal data governance, service delivery, and public engagement. Key learning objectives include understanding current trends in data protection, the need for a robust legislative framework to govern the use of emerging technologies, the ethical use of AI, and the importance of building a culture of privacy and transparency to support public trust in local government.
Presented by:
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Patricia Kosseim
Commissioner, Information & Privacy Commissioner of OntarioIn her role as Information & Privacy Commissioner, Patricia brings significant experience and a wealth of knowledge in the areas of privacy and access law, having worked in public, private, and health sectors, and across various jurisdictions.
Previously, Patricia was counsel in Osler's Privacy and Data Management Group and served for more than a decade as senior general counsel and director general at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. She has held executive positions at Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and has taught part-time at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law.
Patricia obtained her business and law degrees from McGill University, and a master's degree in Medical Law and Ethics from King’s College, University of London, UK. Patricia is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Barreau du Quebec, and is fluently bilingual in English and French.Tuesday, June 10 | 9:10am - 10:10am
According to the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), the number of Ontario residents who don't have a family doctor is currently around 2.3 million people. They expected that number to nearly double in the next two years. How did this get to be a municipal issue? What should and shouldn't municipalities be doing? This session will talk about the lessons one small central Ontario municipality has learned.
Presented by:
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Allan Hewitt
Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Asphodel-NorwoodAllan has over 25 years of experience in the municipal, health, and education sectors and is currently chief administrative officer (CAO)/deputy clerk/treasurer for the Township of Asphodel-Norwood.
He previously served as the chief administrative officer for the Town of Espanola. Prior to that, he was the chief administrative officer in the Town of Fogo Island in Newfoundland.He has held senior leadership positions at Fleming College working in the School of Health and Wellness and Justice and Community Development. He was also the manager of administration for the health department with the Municipality of Durham. He has proven abilities to lead and direct programs, capital projects, and people, delivering results and exceeding expectations. He is resourceful and collaborative with highly effective problem-solving, communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
Tuesday, June 10 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
The Clerk’s office plays a critical role in municipal governance and operations. What are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) and data that are collected and used to highlight the accomplishments and importance of the contribution that the Clerk’s Department make to the municipality? How do we effectively communicate our value proposition to Council and other departments? This session will discuss methods for showcasing departmental achievements and strategies for using data to support decision-making processes and business case development. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to demonstrate the department’s value and impact on the municipality.
Presented by:
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Todd Coles
City Clerk, City of VaughanTodd Coles is a municipal professional with 30 years of experience, currently serving as the City Clerk for the City of Vaughan. Throughout his career, Todd has held various roles, including technician, planner, secretary-treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment, and deputy city clerk. Todd is also a professional planner and brings his experience and knowledge to his local Heritage Advisory Committee as a member.
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Isabel Leung
Deputy City Clerk, City of VaughanIsabel joined the office of the city clerk in 2019 and played an integral role in delivering key projects, such as reviewing the City’s Registered Ratepayer Association Policy, and implementing the Corporate-wide Enterprise Content Management System. Prior to joining the City of Vaughan, she has over 10 years of experience in various municipalities, including the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, City of Markham, and Town of Innisfil.
Isabel is passionate about continuous learning and has achieved a master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) from York University. She has also obtained the Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation and has completed the AMCTO-Ivey Canadian Municipal Leadership Accelerator program.
Tuesday, June 10 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Having been the first municipality in Ontario to go live with its automated speed enforcement administrative penalty (ASE AP) program, this session will discuss the successes, challenges, and next steps to undertaking an ASE AP program. This session will be informative to those who have recently launched or are considering launching, ASE using the Administrative Penalty System.
Presented by:
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Lisa Lehr
Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk, Township of EssaLisa started her career in the private sector before making the shift to municipal administration in 2008 with the Township of Essa. In 2017, Lisa was appointed as manager of legislative services/municipal clerk where she has continued to exhibit her knowledge and passion for legislative processes and procedures. Lisa became involved in the Automated Speed Enforcement Administrative Penalty (ASE AP) program with the Township in the early days of its inception and since then has become an industry leader and driving force of ASE AP throughout the province, with Essa becoming the first municipality in Ontario to implement the program. Lisa was the driving force behind the establishment of Essa as a Joint Data Processing Centre and continues to look for new and innovative ways to improve the program to ensure it continues to be the gold standard in Ontario.
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Sarah Corbett
Deputy Clerk, Township of EssaSarah has over 12 years of municipal administrative experience combined in both large and small urban centres with elections and privacy processes being her passions. Sarah started her current position as the deputy clerk for the Township of Essa in 2023 and was quickly enlisted to assist the department with the impending implementation of their ASE AP program. Having completed the Ontario Traffic Control (OTC) training and receiving the subsequent designation from the Minister of Transportation as a Provincial Offences Officer for Essa’s Automated Speed Enforcement, Sarah continues to provide valuable guidance and knowledge to Essa’s ASE AP program. She is instrumental to the team in the establishment of Essa as a Joint Data Processing Centre.
Tuesday, June 10 | 3:10pm - 4:10pm
Those with the responsibility for the security of public spaces and services have a challenging dual duty of care — to maintain open, accessible, and welcoming environments while providing safety and security to users of the space. Security is a process of identifying the most likely and impactful threats and risks, and then layering the right combination and balance of policies, processes, and tools that work effectively together to protect, detect, and respond to those threats — all the while maintaining the continuity of operations and managing an accepted residual risk.
This session will aim to explain the security concepts and strategies that decision-makers should consider when implementing security to ensure they are effective and defendable security measures. At the same time, decision-makers need to establish and maintain buy-in from the communities served and employees affected. In doing so, as decision-makers, we can create safe environments where the public understands and appreciates that security is not there to watch us but to watch out for us.
Presented by:
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Andrew Kirsch
Founder, Kirsch Consulting Group Inc.Andrew is the founder of Kirsch Group (KG), a risk consulting firm serving governments and corporate clients. Prior to KG, he served as an intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) for just under a decade. After leaving CSIS he was a founding member of and first ever Department Security Officer (DSO) in the Ontario office of the Provincial Security Advisor (OPSA) with a mandate to enhance physical, personnel, information, and network security across the public service. He was appointed to the Ontario Expert Panel on Cyber Security in 2020 and currently serves on the Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board (ORFAB). Andrew is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute as well as a public speaker on issues of national and cyber security. His book, I Was Never Here: My True Canadian Spy Story of Coffees, Code Names and Covert Operations in the Age of Terrorism, was a national bestseller.
Building Teams
Monday, June 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
As local governments face a wave of retirements and struggle to build awareness of job opportunities amongst young people, the need to build a pipeline of talent is of critical importance to the future of public service in Ontario's municipalities.
This workshop describes how municipalities are ideal partners for Ontario's Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs. Using case studies from municipalities and other local agencies, this workshop explores SHSM program administration and provides practical tools and strategies for how municipalities can engage SHSM students and connect to curricula. This session will share information on how local governments can work with SHSM teachers through job placements and practical learning experiences, with an eye for developing awareness of local government jobs with young people before they head to post-secondary institutions or the job market. The workshop will finish with a vision for a municipal-specific SHSM program.
Presented by:
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Alex Denonville
Division Leader - Communication and EngagementAlex is a municipal professional with over a decade of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and multimedia content creation. Before diving into municipal work, he honed his storytelling skills as a newspaper reporter in the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Along the way, he earned graduate degrees in public administration and community engagement.
Alex is passionate about public service. During his academic career, he researched how municipalities can encourage young people to explore local government jobs. Outside of work, Alex loves spending time with his partner and two kids, exploring the outdoors, enjoying Windsor’s famous pizza, and photography.
Monday, June 9 | 3:20pm - 4:20pm
Workplace mobbing is group bullying: the continuous and systematic harassment and abuse of one or more targets by a group of individuals. Mobbing is subtle, covert and pernicious, generally spearheaded by ringleaders who rally people to systematically force the target out. Employers can’t provide work environments of inclusion and belonging – or meet legal obligations to prevent harassment and discrimination – without understanding mobbing's nuances and how to conquer it in their workplaces. In this engaging workshop, we will use interactive exercises to understand mobbing and techniques for combatting it, ensuring ringleaders can no longer operate as though it’s “business as usual.”
Presented by:
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Suhaib Ibrahim
Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLPSuhaib has worked in private practice and in the municipal sector including acting as legal counsel to a police service. He has conducted investigations for police services, municipalities, universities, unions and large private companies. He also facilitates workplace investigations and respect in the workplace training for police services including with First Nations and municipal police services.
Suhaib teaches the four-day Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program and is a regular presenter at HRPA chapter events across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He has co-chaired the Osgoode Professional Development Advanced Workplace Investigations program. Suhaib also spoke at the Ontario Association Chiefs of Police (OACP) Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Symposium in 2024 about navigating difficult discussions in a polarized world.
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Natasha Savoline
Partner, Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLPNatasha's passion for fairness and creating positive and respectful workplaces informs her work as an experienced investigator. She is skilled at investigating complex, multi-party, and sensitive issues in union and non-unionized workplaces.
Natasha has provided investigation services for municipalities and their councils, First Nations, provincial crown corporations, police, fire, and paramedic services, hospitals, municipal health units, long term care homes, resident care facilities, medical professional associations, school boards, universities and colleges, airlines, professional associations, professional services firms, private organizations of all sizes, and not-for-profits. She also trains many organizations about how to conduct sound workplace investigations, including a certificate program specific to police services.
Natasha believes in building on what is working well in addition to understanding what needs to change to shift workplace culture and repair strained workplace relationships.
Tuesday, June 10 | 9:10am - 10:10am
Are you ready to transform your workplace and elevate your organization's efficiency? This interactive workshop dives into the importance of internal customer service for municipal professionals, focusing on building stronger interdepartmental relationships, improving communication, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
Attendees will learn practical strategies to streamline processes, resolve conflicts, and enhance team dynamics, all while gaining insights into how internal cooperation directly impacts public service quality. With today’s municipal professionals facing increasing demands for efficiency and transparency, this session provides actionable tools to meet those challenges head-on.Presented by:
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Jamie Boyle
Chief Positivity Officer, Town of NewmarketJamie has been in municipal government for 30 years, the last 25 with the Town of Newmarket, working in customer service as an associate, supervisor, and manager since 2004. Jamie has also been a corporate trainer with Newmarket since 2015. His “Exceptional Service in the Public Sector” and "Difficult Customers in the Public Sector" courses, which he developed, have been delivered since 2018. Jamie was appointed the Town of Newmarket’s chief positivity officer in 2020, responsible for maintaining and fostering corporate culture across Newmarket. In 2021, Jamie joined Seneca College as a part-time professor for the public administration program.
Tuesday, June 10 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
In today’s competitive municipal talent market, fostering a positive and attractive workplace culture is essential to retain and attract top professionals while meeting community expectations. This interactive session explores how leaders can build a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose, creating an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and aligned with organizational goals. By investing in culture, municipalities can enhance employee engagement, service delivery, and their reputation as employers of choice.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into crafting a thriving workplace culture, practical tools for aligning organizational values with strategic goals, and strategies to boost engagement and retention. With a focus on improving performance, resident satisfaction, and long-term success, this session is designed for municipal leaders seeking to differentiate their organizations and inspire their teams. Join us to unlock the full potential of your workplace culture and elevate your municipality.
Presented by:
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Rob Adams
Chief Administrative Officer, Town of ErinRob has been a multi-term mayor and warden, a successful private-sector business executive who led his team to make one of Profit 100's "Fastest Growing Businesses", and is an innovative and collaborative chief administrative officer (CAO).
Rob teaches AMCTO's council-staff relations corporate training and the "Culture Shaping Leadership" course for York University's Schulich Executive Education (ExecEd). Rob has real-life experience as a CAO who has successfully turned around several struggling organizations and cultures by building high-performing municipal teams and developing strategic plans.
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Nina Lecic
Director of Legislative Services & Town Clerk, Town of ErinNina has worked in the municipal sector for over 15 years, including four municipalities of varying sizes, challenges, and budgets. Nina prides herself on working on innovative, change management solutions, and enjoys working with staff throughout corporations to determine practical, efficient solutions. Nina has served on the AMCTO Board, the Zone 2 and 3 Executives, and is currently in the process of completing her Masters in Public Administration from Western University.
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Jennifer McPetrie
Director, Community Services, Town of ErinWith over 20 years of experience in the recreation field, Jennifer is an expert in building vibrant, community-focused environments. As the director of community services for the Town of Erin, she is helping lead the transformation of the municipality’s workforce, turning staffing challenges into a thriving, engaged team. Jennifer has held key leadership roles in major community projects, including overseeing the successful opening of the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, and managing diverse recreation facilities such as fitness centres, arenas, and pools. Her career combines strategic project management with a passion for creating workplaces and programs that attract and retain top talent.
An advocate for community engagement, Jennifer has coached youth sports, chaired the United Way Employee Giving Campaign, and served as a certified High Five Trainer for over 20 years. Holding degrees from Brock University and Niagara College, as well as a Parks and Recreation Management Certificate from York University and the Schulich School of Business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work in municipal recreation.
Tuesday, June 10 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
We’re back to share genuine stories, experiences, and examples from our professional journey. This year, we’re focusing on how building strong support networks and sustaining authentic teams helped us tackle workplace negativity and toxicity. Inspired by Diane Kalen-Sukra’s book Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It, this session will explore the effects of toxic environments—whether among staff, council, or the public—on professional morale, team dynamics, and mental health.
Through real-life case studies, we will demonstrate how fostering vulnerability among team members allows for the open sharing of challenges and concerns, which in turn creates a foundation of trust and mutual support. These internal support systems play a crucial role in countering workplace negativity and toxicity. This session will also provide practical strategies for sustaining authentic teams, highlighting how strong support networks can help counteract negativity by fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration. Attendees will leave this session equipped with actionable solutions and tools to sustain these concepts and actively combat toxicity in the workplace.
Presented by:
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Andrea Coyne
Manager, Elections, Policy & Print Services, Town of OakvilleAndrea is the manager of elections with the Town of Oakville, where she oversees corporate policy and accessibility. Her research is centered on legislative reform and enhancing civic engagement in local elections. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University.
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Amanda Fusco
Director of Legislated Services/City Clerk, City of KitchenerAmanda is a goal-oriented strategic thinker who is passionate about public service and the delivery of quality services. She has over 15 years of progressive working in the government administration industry. She has been serving as the Director of Legislated Services/City Clerk at the City of Kitchener since 2022, and Amanda has previously served the City of Burlington, Town of Caledon, Township of Woolwich and Region of Waterloo as well. Amanda has been elected to the AMCTO Board for Zone 3 and was previously the AMCTO Zone 3 Treasurer and served as Secretary-Treasurer for Zone 4 while at Caledon. She has held roles on many other volunteer boards and committees within the community and through AMCTO such as Accreditation Reviewer and Mentor.
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Julie Kirkelos
Director of Legislative, Enterprise & Information Services/Town Clerk, Town of LincolnJulie brings almost two decades of experience in municipal government, community engagement, legislative expertise and election administration. Currently serving as Director of Legislative, Enterprise and Information Services and Town Clerk at the Town of Lincoln, Julie has proven leadership skills in governance, political and public engagement, policy development, and senior management. Julie has served on the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) as a Zone Director, holds an educational background in human resources, an executive diploma in municipal management, and is currently pursuing her studies in Public Administration at Western University.
Julie plays a pivotal role in guiding municipal decision-making, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering transparency in government operations. Julie also excels in promoting civic engagement by facilitating communication between government bodies and the community.
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Amanda Knight
Clerk/Director of Legislative Services, Township of Guelph/EramosaAmanda is a Certified Municipal Professional with over 16 years of experience in local government. She is deeply committed to enhancing the operations of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa through innovative approaches and a strong dedication to excellence. With extensive experience in a small, rural municipality in Southern Ontario, Amanda has developed a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by smaller communities. She places a high value on fostering positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues from other municipalities, as well as with residents, council, and staff, to drive meaningful and sustainable progress.
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Danielle Manton
City Clerk, City of CambridgeWith over 20 years in municipal government, Danielle continues to follow her passion of community engagement, building positive teams and fostering excellence in service delivery. As the City Clerk with the City of Cambridge since 2019, Danielle carries a diverse portfolio that includes Council and Committee Services, Access and Privacy, Archives and Information Management, Election Administration, Municipal By-law Compliance, Licensing and Corporate Security as well as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
Danielle has previously served the City of Burlington for over 16 years in Clerk’s and Parks and Recreation and was appointed as the AMCTO Board for Zone 3 in 2020, previously serving as the Zone 3 Chair, Vice Chair and Director. Danielle has held roles on many other volunteer boards and committees within the community’s she serves and through AMCTO such as the Policy & Legislative Committee and Ethics Advisory Committee and Mentor.
Danielle is proud to lead the Clerk’s division in Cambridge and is focused on sustaining a culture that is focused on collaboration and support of one another. Danielle is a graduate of AMCTO’s Executive Diploma in Municipal Management, and is an Accredited Ontario Municipal Clerk, she has been an active member of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and is the upcoming President of AMCTO for the 2025-26 term.
Tuesday, June 10 | 3:10pm - 4:10pm
During the current term of municipal office, many councils have experienced a rise in public delegations along with a corresponding decline in overall decorum. From seemingly endless deputations on modest amendments to the once benign Procedure Bylaw, to passionate submissions on topics that reside far outside of the traditional mandate of local governments, challenges are being faced across the Muniverse. This session will examine what policies, procedures and practices are available to address such challenges and offer some insights to help local government leaders stem this tide of wayward aggression.
Presented by:
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Rick O'Connor
President, MuniverseRO Consulting Inc.Rick started his municipal career as a solicitor with the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton. With the amalgamation of the City of Ottawa in 2001, he was appointed deputy city clerk while retaining the title of legal counsel. In 2006, he became the city solicitor and less than three years later was appointed as the first city clerk and city solicitor in Canada. Rick is now the president of MuniverseRO Consulting Inc., aimed at assisting municipalities with any governance issues.
Building Commerce
Monday, June 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
With a large number of staff able to retire, Finance Departments are challenged with requirements which are wide ranging from budget approvals to paying staff. Municipalities have implemented a variety of approaches to ensure work continues. This session will explore strategies related to:
- Succession planning
- Making the leap to Senior Management
- Transitioning to municipalities from other sectors
A panel of municipal staff will discuss options and challenges for “keeping the lights on” in our communities with a focus on people who have transitioned from other sectors. While the session focuses on finance staff, the concepts are widely applicable to all areas.
Presented by:
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Colin MacDonald
Manager, Policy, Municipal Finance Officers' Association (MFOA)Colin is the Manager of Policy at the Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA) where he guides the Association's efforts to engage the Province in a dialogue on municipal finance issues and legislative impacts. His role also includes the development of working groups, guides, and tools to facilitate the implementation of municipal finance best practices throughout Ontario. Prior to joining MFOA in 2015, he worked for a research institute focused on infrastructure risk and public policy.
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Trevor Pinn
Deputy CAO/Treasurer Finance & TechnologyTrevor is in his ninth year serving on the Board of Directors for the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA). In 2020 and 2021 he served as the Association President during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Association quickly transitioned training and its conference online.
Trevor has presented at the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities conference on the importance of focusing budgets on the bigger issues. He also presented for the MFOA seminar “Mastering the Budget Process” and has written for The Public Sector Digest on the importance for small municipalities to develop financial policies.Image
Christine Leon
Director of Finance, Town of PetawawaMonday, June 9 | 3:20pm - 4:20pm
This session will focus on lessons learned when implementing significant tax increases. Tweed underwent a massive increase in 2024 compared to many other years and are looking at another double digit levy increase for 2025. Managing Council, staff and public expectations and information (or misinformation) has been something we have had to learn from in 2024 and are trying to apply to 2025. Tweed knows we are not alone with these large increases as we all face significant capital infrastructure demands in the coming years and the chance to share some of what we learned may help others avoid some of our mistakes.
Presented by:
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Gloria Raybone
Chief Administrative Officer, Town of RenfrewGloria began her career at a public accounting firm specializing in auditing municipalities and other public sector organizations, including school boards, First Nations, health units, children’s aid societies, and public housing entities. After 13 years in public auditing, Gloria transitioned to municipal administration, returning to her hometown of Tweed as CAO/Treasurer in 2019. During her five years in Tweed, Gloria navigated challenges such as managing the impacts of COVID-19, addressing budgetary operational needs (including a double-digit tax levy increase), and collaborating with neighboring municipalities on joint service boards.
In January 2025, Gloria transitioned again to the Town of Renfrew as the CAO. With several challenges facing the town and the potential for high tax levy increases, Gloria slipped into her role, working with Council and Staff and the public. She holds an Honours Bachelor in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA).
Tuesday, June 10 | 9:10am - 10:10am
In Ontario, municipalities of all sizes are facing significant infrastructure challenges, exacerbated by aging assets, increasing demands, and limited funding sources. This session will explore the scale of the funding gap for municipal asset management across small, medium, and large municipalities in Ontario, highlighting new research findings that illustrate the growing disparity between available resources and infrastructure needs.
The session is highly relevant to today's municipal professionals who seek to ensure the sustainability and functionality of essential services by growing their understanding of the funding gap and developing new strategies to bridge the gap.Presented by:
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Brian Kavanagh
Director of Infrastructure & Town Engineer, Town of ErinBrian's goal is to push the envelope in the field of infrastructure management using emerging technology and integrated solutions to maximize the value of municipal infrastructure investments.
Prior to joining the Town of Erin, Brian’s 25 years of industry experience included leading corporate asset management and public works departments delivering progressive infrastructure solutions in midsize and large municipalities in Southern Ontario. Brian also led teams of infrastructure professionals delivering large-scale provincial P3 projects in the healthcare and corrections fields.
Brian holds a professional engineering license and a Certified Municipal Officer designation, a testament to his focus on the unique challenges and opportunities facing municipal governments.Tuesday, June 10 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
In this session, we will explore the concept of a Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) and its potential implications for Ontario municipalities. In collaboration with a municipal leader in Ontario who has explored a VHT as part of our presentation, we will delve into the key considerations for implementing a VHT, including its objectives, relevance, design features, and financial implications.
This session will provide municipalities with a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of implementing a VHT, including financial and policy outcomes. It will also equip municipalities with the context and insights needed to determine if a VHT should be explored further for their City.
Presented by:
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Anne Lindsay
Senior Manager, Regions East Advisory Services, KPMGAnne is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Public Sector Advisory practice, specializing in enhancing municipal government operations. Anne supports municipalities in standardizing service delivery, developing organizational performance metrics, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and drive results. She is dedicated to empowering municipal governments to achieve their goals through innovative solutions and strategic insights. Prior to joining KPMG, Anne worked as a senior leader in municipal government and higher education.
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Bruce Peever
Partner, Public Sector Advisory, KPMGBruce works with municipalities across eastern Canada helping them drive performance improvement and innovation by cutting through the complexity of their work. He is a former local government executive with over 30 years of experience supporting Canadian municipalities in a staff or consulting role. Bruce’s interests are largely in the areas of governance design and relationships, financial analysis, organizational assessment, design and effectiveness, strategic analysis, and service delivery review. He has a particular interest and experience in technology, innovation, and the transformation of public sector service delivery. Coupled with his operational experience, Bruce offers a unique expertise in the delivery of public sector services.
Tuesday, June 10 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
The Province has proposed a regulatory change that would require municipalities to mandatorily accept surety bonds as a form of security for safegaurding the cost of construction of infrastructure required as part of the subdivision agreement. In larger municipalities, dedicated finance teams may be responsible for developing policies and development agreements that include financial securities whereas in many small to medium-sized municipalities, this responsibility generally falls to the CAO, Clerk, and/or Treasurer. As such, this session would provide an overview of the legislative changes, pros/cons and risks of using surety bonds, creating a Council-approved policy, what to include in development agreements to mitigate risk, and examples from other municipalities that have successfully utilized these bonds.
Presented by:
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Daryl Abbs
Managing Partner, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.Daryl is currently a member of Watson and Associates' senior management group, which develops interpretations of legislative requirements, as well as methodologies and formats and determines alternative policy strategies for all facets of corporate assignments.
With over 10 years of experience in the public sector, Daryl has an in-depth knowledge of municipal finance. Daryl focusses his efforts in the areas of Development Charges (including developer negotiations and Tribunal processes), rate studies, long-term financial planning, solid waste financial analyses, and service delivery reviews. Daryl leads workshops related to municipal finance and has presented at numerous conferences across Canada.
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Gary Scandlan
Policy AdvisorGary is a former Managing Partner with Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. and is presently an independent advisor. He was with Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. from 1989-2023, before which he worked for two Regional municipalities, providing him with over 45 years of municipal experience. Gary has worked with over 150 Canadian municipalities assisting them in long range capital planning, development charges, developer agreement negotiations, water/wastewater/stormwater rate studies, growth management strategies and economic/financial feasibility studies. He has also been a member of Provincial Technical Working Committees on the D.C. & C.B.C. regulations and has been involved with Provincial changes to legislation such as the Municipal Act, several pieces of Water/Wastewater legislation and Development Charges.
Gary has made numerous presentations and authored several articles on the Development Charges Act, revenue alternatives to taxation, privatization of municipal services, municipal financial planning and full cost pricing of water and wastewater services. He has appeared before OLT/LPAT/OMB and other tribunals on behalf of municipalities on approximately 50 occasions.
Building Procedures
Monday, June 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Municipalities play an important role in regulating matters that affect the health, welfare, safety, and good government of the communities they serve. This is done through bylaws, which are both the formal expression of a municipality’s powers and the enforceable laws. Of course, the achievement of underlying policy goals relies on the strength of the bylaws that implement them. In this session, participants will gain insights and practical tips from practitioners with expertise in drafting, administering, and enforcing municipal bylaws. The session will cover legal principles governing a municipality’s statutory authority, the functional aspects of a bylaw (e.g., recitals, definitions, regulations, enforcement), tips for drafting bylaws, and ensuring bylaws can be enforced effectively.
Presented by:
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Laura Dean
Partner, Aird & Berlis LLPLaura is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP and a member of the firm's Municipal & Land Use Planning group. She provides advice and representation to both private and public sector clients on land use planning matters, municipal governance and accountability regimes, and the development and implementation of a wide array of municipal bylaws and policies.
Before beginning her legal practice, Laura worked as a senior policy advisor in the housing policy branch of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). Laura also worked as a policy advisor with the Ontario Climate Change Secretariat. Laura attended law school at the University of Windsor and has a Master's of Urbanization and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor's of International Development Studies from McGill University.
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John Pappas
Associate, Aird & Berlis LLPAs a member of Aird & Berlis LLP’s Municipal & Land Use Planning Group, John practices in all areas of local government and municipal law, as well as development law. John appears regularly before municipal councils, committees and boards, various administrative tribunals and agencies, and the Ontario Courts. He provides counsel and representation to municipalities across Ontario on various matters, including municipal powers and jurisdictional issues, ethics and governance, building regulation, bylaw drafting and enforcement, and complex commercial/contractual issues. John also has significant experience in municipal elections law, including advising municipal clerks and administrators on the operation of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, acting as independent legal counsel to several municipal compliance audit committees, and assisting with prosecutions of election campaign finance offences.
Monday, June 9 | 3:20pm - 4:20pm
Effective municipal governance hinges on a clear understanding of the distinction between council policies and administrative policies. Council policies serve as the foundation of public policy, guiding overarching decisions that reflect the municipality’s values and strategic goals. In contrast, administrative policies provide a framework for the practical implementation of these decisions, ensuring operational efficiency, consistency, and compliance with legislative requirements. By maintaining this distinction, municipalities can ensure that public policy decisions are aligned with broader governance objectives, while operational policies mitigate potential liabilities and uphold their duty of care to the public.
Presented by:
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Tara Stephens
Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, City of WellandWith over 18 years of municipal experience, Tara is a dedicated and accomplished leader in local government. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in municipal governance, policy development, and public service, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in legislative processes.
A strong advocate for teamwork, equity, and collaboration, Tara is known for fostering a welcoming and inclusive work culture. Her open-door policy ensures that all voices are heard, reinforcing her belief that treating everyone with fairness and respect leads to stronger organizational success. She is passionate about mentorship and professional development, continuously guiding her team toward excellence.
Tara holds an Executive Diploma in Municipal Management from AMCTO, as well as several municipal law, leadership, and public administration certifications. A lifelong learner, she remains committed to professional growth and advancing best practices in municipal governance.
Tuesday, June 10 | 9:10am - 10:10am
Municipalities face a challenging dilemma: how to maintain transparency and accountability in local governance while taking steps to protect their staff from violence and harassment. In this session, participants will gain valuable insights into finding the right balance between openness and security. Senior staff from Ombudsman Ontario will provide actionable strategies for managing unreasonable public behaviour, including how to design and enforce effective service restrictions, implement trespass notices, and develop robust policies. Drawing from Ombudsman investigations, the presenters will share real-life examples and offer best practices. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to address and mitigate risk, promoting increased safety and transparency in local government.
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Joanna Bull
Senior Counsel, Ontario OmbudsmanJoanna earned her LLB at Osgoode Hall and a master’s degree in environmental studies at York University. As Acting General Counsel at the Ontario Ombudsman, Joanna guides legal staff and provides support and advice across the office. She has drafted reports on the Ombudsman’s formal investigations into municipalities, the provision of French-language services, and municipal open meetings.
Prior to joining the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman, Joanna worked as counsel at Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, handling the organization’s legal files, drafting public comments, articles and submissions, and appearing before a variety of administrative tribunals.Image
Lauren Chee-Hing
Acting Senior Counsel, Ontario OmbudsmanIn her role, Lauren handles a range of responsibilities with a focus on municipal law matters, investigations into municipal closed meetings, and systemic investigations. Prior to joining the Office of the Ombudsman, Lauren practiced municipal and land use planning law. Lauren has appeared before tribunals such as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, as well as before the Ontario Court of Appeal. When she’s not working, Lauren cherishes family time and visiting new places with her two young boys.
Tuesday, June 10 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
The latest court cases from two leading lawyers of the Ontario municipal bar will be presented in a comprehensive, engaging and illustrative manner. The presenters will select decisions that will be of particular relevance for senior municipal administrators, clerks and treasurers. This is a must-attend session that will provide insights on the court rulings that will impact local government in Ontario.
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Tom Halinski
Partner, Aird & Berlis LLPTom is a partner with Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto and the co-practice group leader of the firm’s Municipal & Land Use Planning Group. Tom’s practice is devoted to administrative law, where he represents public and private sector clients in the areas of municipal law, land use planning and development law, and property tax assessment.
Tom frequently appears before various administrative tribunals, including the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Assessment Review Board. He has broad experience in both advising and representing municipalities as well as advocating for clients before councils, committees of adjustment and conservation authority boards. Tom also appears regularly before the courts in appellate matters and on applications.
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John Mascarin
Partner, Aird & Berlis LLPJohn is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP and a Certified Specialist in Municipal Law: Local Government & Land Use Planning and Development by the Law Society of Ontario. An Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, he is a leading authority in municipal law and co-author of the Annotated Municipal Act and Ontario Municipal Act & Commentary. His contributions have earned him the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in Municipal Law (2023) and the Distinguished Canadian Municipal Lawyer Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association (2022).
Tuesday, June 10 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
2025 marks the anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The Act and its regulation establish accessibility standards in five areas: Customer Service, Design of Public Spaces, Employment, Information and Communications, Transportation This workshop will provide practical information on explore how municipalities can develop better governance and accountability practices to improve accessibility and, in turn, better serve people with disabilities. Topics covered will include, amongst other things, how to thoroughly respond to Provincial reporting requirements, engaging with an Accessibility Advisory Committee, incorporating accessibility into all decision-making, accessible procurements, and dealing with non-compliance.
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Tyler Cox
Manager, Legislative Services, City of OttawaTyler has more than two decades of experience in local government and has been responsible for a variety of service areas: Committee and Council Services, Council Support Services, Mayor Support Services, Information Management, the City of Ottawa Archives, the Municipal Elections Office, and the Corporate Accessibility Office.
Tyler holds an MBA from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, as well as other degrees and diplomas in political science and administration. He is most proud of his AMCTO credentials, including his Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) and Accredited Ontario Municipal Clerk (AOMC) designations. Tyler serves on AMCTO’s Board of Directors, representing Zone 6 (Eastern Ontario).
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Megan Richards
Program Manager, Accessibility, City of OttawaMegan brings over 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities to her role as Program Manager, Accessibility at the City of Ottawa. She has worked in diverse environments including health care, long term care and community programs, while remaining committed to working alongside equity deserving groups.
At the City of Ottawa, she provides support to comply with federal and provincial legislation and advance knowledge of accessibility across the corporation. She is committed to providing support to all levels of government, businesses, and the public, who desire to remove barriers. Across the province, Megan coordinates the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals, an active group of public sector staff who are committed to increasing accessibility for persons disabilities through the sharing of information, resources, and best practices. She is also member of the Provincial Design of Public Spaces Standards Review Committee, Accessibility Standards Canada’s Technical Committee for a Model Standard for the Built Environment, and the Canadian Accessibility Network.
Megan is able to draw on her own lived experience to support her endeavors to make the city and province more inclusive for people with disabilities. She is passionate about community engagement and strongly advocates for the inclusion of perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities in planning and decision making.
Tuesday, June 10 | 3:10pm - 4:10pm
This session aims to educate the municipal sector on ward boundary reviews, from the perspective of a municipal clerk's office and from that of external experts in reviewing and designing ward boundaries for municipalities. We will discuss how a municipality will know they need to initiate a review, where to start a review, discussing the pros and cons of a municipal-led review versus one run externally by experts in the field, and how to effectively manage a ward boundary review from the position of municipal staff. We will share the Vaughan case study with 3 different reviews conducted in the last 12 years to articulate the distinction and interesting revelations from conducting reviews. We will also discuss the elements that are considered when designing ward boundaries including the principles established in the Carter Case, key considerations for timelines and decision-making by municipal council and reflecting on how the decisions may face scrutiny at an OLT appeal.
Presented by:
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Jack Ammendolia
Managing Partner, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.Jack specializes in school board accommodation planning and the study of school-age demographics. He regularly leads seminars and facilitates discussion around school board funding and education matters. Since 1999, Jack has worked with school boards across Ontario and Canada, as well as First Nations communities and federal agencies like Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. He is also involved with community-based social services, such as Bruce Grey Child and Family Services, and Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
In addition, Jack manages ward boundary reviews for municipalities across Ontario, which requires him to coordinate a multi-disciplinary team consisting of demographers, planners, political/social scientists, public engagement specialists and other staff.Image
Evan Read
Manager, Election, Registration and Protocol Services, City of VaughanEvan has served for a decade in the municipal sector and is a seasoned election administrator, having managed two municipal elections, a school board byelection, and a ward boundary and council composition review with the City of Vaughan. As a strong proponent of modernization and innovation in the delivery of municipal services, Evan has led the rollout of epollbooks for municipal elections, the introduction of internet voting, and the delivery of technology-enabled modernization of marriage licences and ceremonies for the City of Vaughan.
Evan is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Seneca College in Toronto. He has been an active contributor to AMCTO, serving as Past Chair for Zone 4, as a member of the Municipal Elections Act Working Group, and as a member of the Municipal Elections Training Working Group. Evan’s passion for public service extends outside of the municipal sector, serving as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces’ Cadet Instructors Cadre branch, developing youth members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations.