Rural staff and councillors gather in Toronto to learn and lobby

Almost 2,000 municipal leaders attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto Jan. 18–20, where delegates took part in workshops, heard speeches from provincial figures, and held meetings with provincial ministries.

Rural municipal staff and elected councillors met Jan. 18–20 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto for the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. The event combined training and policy discussion and gave municipalities a chance to request delegation meetings with provincial ministries. Speakers included the premier and opposition leaders, and sessions addressed topics framed specifically from a rural perspective. Delegations and forums were arranged so local governments could present priorities directly to ministry representatives. Key details: - The conference drew almost 2,000 municipal leaders, including council members and senior staff. - Delegation meetings were arranged with provincial ministries; some municipalities learned which meetings were granted and who would represent the government. - Grey County scheduled eight delegation meetings and listed topics such as conservation authority changes, housing development, long-term care, and access to health care. - Southgate requested a delegation with the Ministry of Health to discuss local health services and future opportunities. - Two forums connected ministry representatives with attendees: one on Finance, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, and another on Health, Social Housing and Social Services. - Speakers and presenters included Premier Doug Ford, Rob Flack (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), Lisa Thompson (Minister of Rural Affairs), Marit Stiles, Mike Schreiner, Ted Hsu, Hydro One, and the Ontario Long-Term Care Association. Summary: The conference served as a learning and advocacy forum where rural municipalities exchanged information and raised priorities with provincial officials. Delegation meetings provide a direct channel for follow-up with ministries. Undetermined at this time.