Rural Ontario Municipal Association - ROMA

Today we recognize National Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Ontario is home to 133 First Nations communities, many located in rural and remote regions across the province. Each community represents distinct cultures, languages, and traditions.

These communities are connected with neighbouring municipalities through shared land and evolving relationships.

This is a reminder that building these relationships with respect, understanding, and accountability is ongoing work.

Did you know waterpower has been powering Ontario for more than a century?

This , we’re celebrating the continued impact of this clean energy source.

It supports local jobs, attracts investment and offers the kind of long-term economic growth that makes rural Ontario the economic engine of the province.

Ontario Waterpower Association

In rural communities, local knowledge matters. Decisions about roads, housing, and services look different here, and they’re best made by people who live it every day.

ROMA stands with AMO in urging the province to reverse Bill 100 and protect local democracy.

Bill 100 puts local accountability at risk.

When residents elect their leaders, there’s a direct line between decisions and the people impacted by them. That’s what keeps local government grounded, transparent, and responsive.

When the province appoints regional chairs, local residents lose their say in who makes decisions about housing, infrastructure, and the services they rely on every day.

More concerning, provincially appointed regional chairs, accountable only to Queen's Park, could overturn decisions made by your community's elected officials.

AMO urges the province to restore the balance of local governance by reversing Bill 100 and maintaining the democratic election of heads of council.

If changes are needed, there are ways to do it without losing that connection. Many counties already select wardens from among elected officials in a public and accountable way. It works because it respects local voices and keeps leadership tied to the people it serves.

Read more in AMO's latest policy update: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/municipal-governance-indigenous-relations/amo-calls-bill-100-reversal-build-communities

Great conversations at the ROMA Spring Board Meeting in Woodstock today, including a valuable discussion with Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials.

As the blue bin program evolves, ensuring it works for rural communities remains a top priority. We look forward to continued collaboration to help shape practical, effective solutions.

Thank you to Dave Beres for hosting us in Oxford County. More to come.

Rural communities are building spaces where everyone can feel seen, safe, and supported.

This Pride Month, we recognize the work happening across Ontario to support 2SLGBTQ+ residents. 🌈

ROMA is proud to stand alongside the communities driving rural Ontario forward, no matter the size.

Because big ideas don't depend on size, they grow through collaboration, leadership and local pride.

Thank you to Board Member Steve McCabe for representing ROMA so well, and thank you to keynote speaker Leslie Fournier, the representatives from the Town of Minto and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, and all of you who joined us! You make this work matter.

The Development Charge Reduction Program has launched.

The $8.8 billion application-based program is available to the over 200 municipalities that levy development charges, and participation in the program is voluntary.

We look forward to details on the carve-out for small, rural, and northern municipalities, to be announced at a later date.

https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/canada-ontario-development-charge-reduction-program

The Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program has launched.

Municipalities remain committed to increasing housing supply and affordability, and we welcome this federal–provincial effort to lower housing construction costs and boost to construction sector employment. Participation in the program is voluntary and municipalities are encouraged to choose what works best for their community.

Get the key details in our policy update: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/canada-ontario-development-charge-reduction-program

Feeling inspired by all of the conversations at the Teeny Tiny Summit in Burleigh Falls last week.

There is nothing quite like the creativity, collaboration and pride of Ontario's small towns.

Thank you to ROMA Board members Pam Sayne and Nicole Martin for representing ROMA, and thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs and community partners who came together to make this great event possible.

Northern Ontario, we're headed your way! Join us in Manitouwadge on Wednesday, June 3 for the next

Keynote speaker Leslie Fournier will be sharing insights on how small communities can come together to build hope, strengthen connections, and create lasting economic opportunities. You're invited.

Save your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yts6pD6sV2EmhZBVEvfvg4AHaJaTlY8nvhUuHoBI7rI/viewform?ts=67e17ba2&exids=71471469,71471463&edit_requested=true