the OMAA Observer

17 October 2024

Provincial News

Applications help increase emergency preparedness. Municipalities under 100,000 are eligible to apply. Applications are due October 31, 2024.

 

The Province is holding consultations on the following regulations that may be of interest to the municipal sector:

 

Amendments to four producer responsibility regulations for tires, batteries, electrical and electronic equipment, and hazardous and special products — Comments by 20 October 2024

Coming Attractions

The OMAA Schulich School of Business CAO Leadership Program offers sought-after leadership skills in areas like political acuity, digital transformation, and data analysis to thrive in your role or move up the career ladder. The program is hosted in a convenient choice model of virtual or in-person and features top-rated instructors with guest appearances from seasoned CAOs.

 

This program is ideal for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs in municipalities of all tiers and sizes across Ontario. Professional managers and key decision makers will gain the vital leadership skills, strategies, and methods needed to better support elected officials and effectively implement Council policies, levelling up to more senior roles. 

 

After completing the CAO Leadership Program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize. Upon completion of additional programming through Schulich ExecEd, you will be eligible to receive a Master's Certificate in Municipal Leadership.

 

The first sold-out class took place in Spring 2024. The next offering will occur in Spring 2025:

 

24 March           Module 1: Transformational Leadership       Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre

25 March           Module 2: Culture Shaping Leadership        Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre

10 April              Module 3: Solving Complex Problems         Virtual 

24 April              Module 4: Digital Futures                             Virtual 

8 May                Module 5: Political Acuity                              Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre

 

Note: a discount code for the Novotel Toronto Centre will be provided to all registrants.

Registration
 

EDA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Conference

 

The Electricity Distributors Association’s (EDA) DEI 2024 event is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the Toronto Region Board of Trade (100 Queens Quay E, Suite 1600, Toronto).

 

Program highlights include:

 

Embracing Diversity, Fostering Equity and Promoting Inclusion: Building a Stronger Tomorrow

Leticia Rose (Canadian Tire Corp)

 

Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Hannah Behzadi & Lea Trotman (MNP)

 

Building Internal Capacity for your DEI Plans

Sonya Prichard (CAO, Dufferin County)

 

Navigating Labour Laws to Enhance DEI Strategies

Neena Gupta (Gowlings WLG)

 

Empowering Progress; The Importance of Gender Inclusion in the Energy Sector

Carrie Aloussis (Independent Electricity System Operator), Lenore Robson (Ontario Energy Board)

Cynthia Chan (Elexicon Energy), Nik Schruder (Infrastructure Canada)

 

Member Rates:

Single ticket: $525.00 + HST

Click here to register. Click here to view the full agenda.

 

OMAA members are able to attend and may do so at the EDA member rate using PROMO CODE: OMAA

Go to the event website: DEI (DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION) (eda-on.ca)

Click on Register

Click on the “Register Now” link at the bottom (or “Create Profile”)

When registering for the DEI event, enter promo code: OMAA

Proceed to Checkout 

 

Accommodations:

 

The EDA has secured a discounted rate of $389.00 at The Westin Harbour Castle. Please click here by October 9, 2024 to secure the rate. For more information, please contact the EDA’s Marica Macura, Director Member Relations. 

Job Board

Director, Infrastructure

Collingwood, Ontario

A career at the Town of Collingwood is more than a job; it's a pathway to thrive. Here, you'll be part of a leading-edge team that drives progressive, accountable, and sustainable decisions. In Collingwood, we are committed to building a vibrant community through our lively downtown, extensive waterfront, and rich cultural heritage.
If this resonates with you and you're passionate about creating meaningful community impact, then read on!

As the Director, Infrastructure, you are at the helm of a forward-thinking Department, where there is recognition that Environmental Management, Conservation and Sustainability through managing, mitigating and improving environmental impacts better serves the community today and for the future. The Department also prioritizes community mobility to provide integrated, safe and accessible movement of people and goods across multiple modes of transportation (e.g., active, transit, cars, etc.), collaborating with other relevant parties to provide services which leverage the assets, services, and capabilities of the Town to best deliver on the Town’s Vision and Master Plans. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), you will be instrumental in Growth Planning, Development Management, Asset Management, and Capital Projects Delivery related to Roads & Active Transportation, Stormwater Management, Wastewater, and Water Treatment & Distribution. The Director also is accountable for Minor Capital Projects Delivery and Operations & Maintenance for these services.

What You Will Do

Deliver the services in the department’s portfolio, including operational and capital projects. Ensure that projects and delivery are well-managed and in line with corporate policies, including customer service, procurement, contract administration, and payment of accounts. Liaise with staff, elected officials, various government/agencies, legal counsel, consultants, community/special interest groups/agencies, ratepayers, and developers on matters relating to departmental projects and operations. Ensure that Customer Service for the department is delivered to standard, including through ServiceCollingwood channels. In collaboration with the Director of Planning, Building & Economic Development, accountable for and oversight of the development of the Town’s water and wastewater allocation program, which includes the allocation process for water and wastewater capacity for future development in the Town, and accountable for the program’s implementation as it relates to the supply of clean drinking water and wastewater treatment. Oversee the management and retention of departmental staff including engagement, performance goals and evaluation, training and development formulation and authorization, discipline, health and safety, and promotion/transfer/termination decisions. Prepare reports, make recommendations/presentations, and attend Council/Committee, Department Heads, and other meetings of the Corporation as required. For the services in the department’s portfolio, lead the preparation of Department Master Plans, and implement these through growth planning, asset management planning, annual operational planning, and proposal of, forecasting and reporting on capital and operating budgets. Identify and participate in Regional Planning Initiatives that expand or enhance effective and efficient service offerings. Develop, monitor, and revise departmental bylaws, public and internal policies and procedures, service levels and standards/performance measures, risks, administrative processes, and statistical/informational requirements.Skills and Experience Thorough working knowledge of roads/structures/water/wastewater modeling, design, construction and maintenance management, budget formulation, government grant programs, applicable legislative/regulatory standards, labour relations principles and practices, municipal government functions/responsibilities, and health and safety practices. 


Normal hours of work are thirty-five (35) hours per week. The annual salary range is $135,499.00 to $164,637.20. A customizable incentive package, valued at up to $20,000, is available for this role. This is in addition to our comprehensive salary, benefits and perks!
 

More Info

Commissioner, Corporate Services

Oakville, ON

Bordered to the south by Lake Ontario, the Town of Oakville has a rich history, a thriving cultural community, abundant green space and an active and engaged population of more than 233,600 residents. Economically, it is a location of choice for national and international corporate headquarters that have taken advantage of the Town's talented workforce, advanced training opportunities and premium land.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner, Corporate Services plays a key role in achieving Council’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team by embracing the spirit of excellence and innovative thinking while providing proactive leadership to help Oakville achieve its vision to be a vibrant and liveable community for all. As the Commissioner you will provide oversight and guidance to a diverse team of directors who deliver and manage financial, human resources, information technology solutions, legal, communications & service excellence, and clerk & council services. With this broad portfolio of services you will lead, develop, and facilitate initiatives to support and address the needs of both internal clients and the community by delivering high quality services and programs delivered through interdisciplinary collaboration that supports responsive customer service. Applying evidence-based decision-making to make optimum use of resources, you will strategically lead the organization to meet current and future needs with an emphasis on continuous improvement and long-term financial sustainability. Strategically, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of one of Canada’s most affluent communities as it plans for growth while seeking to maintain its unique town character. 

More Info

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Town of Renfrew

Named the “Most Welcoming Town 2017” by The Wedge, The Town of Renfrew, was founded on the forestry industry and with the success of the lumber barons of the 1800s, made it a booming municipality in eastern Ontario. Over the years, the Town has moved from a resource-based economy to a diversified regional economy. Renfrew’s quality of life is exceptional for a community with a population of 8,553. The Town offers well rounded educational opportunities with four elementary schools and two high schools located in Renfrew. Health care in Renfrew is excellent. The municipality is home to the Renfrew and Area Health Village – a multi-service regional health care community. The Health Village is comprised of a hospital supporting 450 staff with state-of-the-art equipment; a variety of specialty clinics; a hospice; two long-term care centres; and a retirement residence.

Within easy access (a short 95km away) to Canada’s capital, Renfrew is also close to recreational amenities including Algonquin Park, Ottawa River, white water rafting, skiing, multi-use trails, a motorsports park with the longest racetrack in Canada and 16 community parks.


As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative executive leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments with related leadership experience. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with an engaged council, diverse stakeholders, foster the development of partnerships, and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence. Lastly, you will have an exceptional understanding of forward-thinking strategies as it relates to managing growth, ensuring effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion and guiding the organization into the future, while retaining our town community charm.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the municipality’s administrative and operational services. As the key advisor to Council, you well embrace our strategic plana and have the vision to develop and implement operational plans and ensure the coordination of services which align to and support our strategic priorities. You will recommend policies, plans, and programs that benefit our residents by being innovative, accountable, and fiscally sound. You will work to enhance growth and development in the community, as well as ensure the effective utilization of resources through the priorities and guiding principles as identified by Council. Leading a talented team, you will inspire a dedicated workforce and help foster a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovation and teamwork while positioning the Town of Renfrew as an employer of choice.

Closes: 21 October 2024

More Info

Chief Administrative Officer

Lake of Bays (Dwight)

The Township of Lake of Bays is in the northeast corner of Ontario's "Cottage Country", adjacent to world renowned Algonquin Park. Lake of Bays, being a part of Muskoka has traditionally been one of Ontario's premier destinations for family vacations and summer cottages. The Township encompasses four unique and inviting communities of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, and Hillside with a permanent population of 3,759 residents increasing to an estimated 11,720 with the seasonal population.


The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as the organization’s representative to the community, community organizations, media, other levels of government, and professional associations. The CAO advises Council and recommends actions to address current and emerging issues as well as trends to ensure that Council policies and programs result in the attainment of Council’s vision and objectives. Reporting directly to Mayor and Council the CAO oversees the administration and operations of the Township and its budget by providing strategic leadership and direction to the Senior Management Team in developing and delivering programs and services.

Closes:  22 November 2024

 

More Info

Members in the News

Former town CAO sues Mattawa for $1.2 million

 

Our Mentorship Match-Up Program starts on 21 October. Stay tuned for more details.

Skipperism

I've been thinking a lot lately about the importance of being flexible and open to new ideas. Sometimes I feel bad for those stuck in their ways as this type of rigidity may be holding them back from growth.

Lao Tzu knew something about life and death. In chapter 76 of the Tao Te Ching he says:

 

People are born soft and weak.

They die hard and stiff.

All things such as grass and trees

Are soft and supple in life.

At their death they are withered and dry.

So, the hard and stiff are death's companions.

The soft and weak are life's companions.

 

Life is fluid, growing, adapting. Death is rigid, a body turning to dust. It’s all laid out for us by the world itself. A tree that stiffens and dries cracks and falls.

 

The greatest company crumbles if it doesn’t shift with the times. A nation that won’t see the change in the world around it withers from the inside. And the leader, the one too proud to bend, loses his power the moment he stops listening, stops learning.

 

Life, it seems, is nothing but change. We live as long as we can keep moving with it. The moment we stop, the moment we dig in and refuse to shift—that’s when we start to die. It’s a truth that runs deep, through every venture, every heart, every breath. Stay curious, stay soft, and you’ll rise. 

2025 Schedule

OMAA Picks

 

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