At the 2025 ROMA Conference a new Rural Economic Development Strategy announced by Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, with $10 million in annual funding in a new Rural Ontario Development Program aimed at supporting economic growth, workforce capacity and business development in rural communities.
Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma announced the government is opening applications for the $175 million Health and Safety Water Stream of the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) starting February 12, 2025, to ensure communities across the province have access to safe drinking water, reliable wastewater services, and are protected during extreme weather events. T
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Pre-Budget Consultation closes on 3 February 2025
Feedback on the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, is due on 10 February 2025 The Legislative Assembly is currently set to resume on 3 March 2025 |
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Spring Workshop Registration Now Open |
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The 2025 Spring Workshop takes place from May 14-16 at the stunning JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Our workshops include a mix of social events, educational sessions, quick hits, and sponsored sessions--all aimed at giving CAOs and Aspiring CAOs the tools they need to be more effective. The Wednesday night keynote speaker is Rock it by Talking it delivered by Stuart Knight
Note: your 2025 membership must be paid before you can access the member rate.
You may also book your hotel room (note this is separate from event registration) via the link provided by the JW Marriott: https://book.passkey.com/go/OMAA2025 Be sure to select the correct dates.
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Join us on May 14 (just before the spring workshop starts) to boost your confidence and command the room with the Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills Workshop, a full-day, hands-on training delivered by the experts at Commanding Presence. Limited to just 20 participants, this workshop offers: Customized Assessments: Pre-workshop assessments ensure your coaching is tailored to your goals. Transformational Video Feedback: Review your recorded presentations with valuable input from peers and the coach. World-Class Coaching: Receive expert, personalized coaching that builds on your unique speaking style and personality. You’ll leave with the skills to present confidently, think on your feet, and make memorable, persuasive connections. Join us for an empowering experience that’s both challenging and rewarding!
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?The OMAA Schulich School of Business CAO Leadership Program is 70% full. This program is ideal for new 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. Upon completion of additional programming through Schulich ExecEd, you will be eligible to receive a Master's Certificate in Municipal Leadership.
It is hosted in a convenient choice model of virtual or in-person and features top-rated instructors with guest appearances from seasoned CAOs: 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. |
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A New Year Brings New Challenges |
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| 2025 is sure to bring some new challenges your way.
Who truly understands the pressures, challenges, and triumphs of being a Chief Administrative Officer? Who had to chart their career and climb through the ranks to become a CAO? Only a fellow CAO. That’s why the Mentorship Match-Up program is designed exclusively for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs like you.
This unique initiative pairs you with an experienced CAO mentor who has faced the same tough decisions, navigated complex organizational dynamics, and emerged stronger. Whether you're looking for guidance on strategic planning, team leadership, or managing board relations, this program connects you with someone who gets it.
Any OMAA member can participate. All you need to do is login and connect with a mentor of your choice.
25 fantastic mentors now have timeslots available for you to book. Check it out today: Mentorship Match-Up |
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Executive Director, Housing Development Office |
Toronto is Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is home to more than 3 million residents whose diversity and experiences strengthen our great city. A global centre for business, finance, technology, arts, culture, and innovation, Toronto consistently places at the top of international rankings due in part to investments championed by residents and businesses, and in turn, led by Toronto City Council and carried out through the work of the Toronto Public Service.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
As Toronto continues to face an unprecedented housing affordability crisis across the housing continuum, the City has established a new Housing Development Office that will bring a singular focus to City-led and City-supported housing development, and strengthen coordination between the City, CreateTO and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) to achieve the City's housing goals with priority to affordable housing.
Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the newly-established role of Executive Director of the Housing Development Office will oversee the consolidated list of all housing development projects, the consolidated housing capital plan and budget including investments in City-led projects (including through TCHC, CreateTO, and City-supported projects), and will ensure the City and City Council continue to have full visibility on all projects and investments across the entire housing portfolio. More specifically, this new Office will: Ensure coordination of the development of all City-led housing sites (sites owned and/or overseen by the City, as well as its agencies, and corporations) and City-supported housing sites (sites owned by Indigenous, non-profit, and co-operative housing organizations); Focus on monitoring activities at each stage gate and 'unsticking' projects by working with other divisions in Development and Growth Services to resolve issues and hurdles that prevent projects from advancing through development and permitting approvals quickly; Conduct an ongoing review of the City-led and supported housing project pipeline to strategically sequence projects and harvest new or emerging housing opportunities; Establish and maintain a consistent delivery framework, including common methodologies for financial modelling, site due diligence and investment approvals; Ensure more seamless transitions between the City and its housing delivery partners, for example, where a City partner may lead the early phases of a project and then transfer responsibility to the City or another partner when the site is ready to be taken to market; Implement new tools to enable improved transparency and reporting of progress across all City Divisions, Agencies and Corporations involved in the delivery of housing; Identify the appropriate delivery models for City-owned sites, whether that be City-led or led by one of the City's delivery partners, CreateTO or TCHC; and Take on additional functions and contracting arrangements to enable faster affordable housing delivery. By optimizing expertise and resources across teams, strengthening coordination, and streamlining process and systems, the Executive Director will effectively advance the City-led approach to delivering and expediting housing projects that benefit all citizens of Toronto. The Executive Director, Housing Development Office will oversee a team of approximately 10-15 people, and is an in-person role.
Closes: 19 February 2025. |
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Executive Director Building & Chief Building Official |
The Executive Director, Building & Chief Building Official provides strategic leadership to ensure all newly constructed commercial and residential buildings meet provincial and municipal standards and regulations. This role oversees the issuance of licenses and permits for construction in Toronto, ensuring compliance with technical standards and regulatory frameworks. Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, the Executive Director drives operational excellence, policy development, and service improvements to support the city’s growth and development.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Set divisional goals, objectives, and priorities aligned with Council priorities and strategic directions. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure buildings comply with provincial regulations, the Ontario Building Code, and municipal standards through effective plan reviews and inspections. Policy Development: Oversee and coordinate divisional programs and policies to ensure compliance and service delivery efficiency. Financial Management: Conduct short- and long-term financial planning, forecast workloads, and manage budgets in line with Council directives. Stakeholder Engagement: Provide strategic advice to the Mayor, Council, and Committees while collaborating with government agencies and private-sector partners. Change Management: Lead change initiatives and staff development to adapt to evolving regulations, performance expectations, and community needs. Continuous Improvement: Establish processes, performance benchmarks, and systems to drive efficiencies, resource optimization, and reporting effectiveness. Labour Relations and Safety: Maintain compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and collective agreements, ensuring a positive work environment.
The ideal candidate is a visionary and results-oriented leader with a proven track record in managing regulatory compliance, policy development, and operational oversight within a large organization. They demonstrate expertise in stakeholder engagement, financial management, and driving performance improvement while ensuring alignment with government standards and priorities. The candidate is skilled in building collaborative partnerships, leading change initiatives, and navigating complex regulatory environments to achieve organizational goals. Beyond the core role, the successful individual will be a key member of the Development and Growth team helping with key Council priorities such as the Housing Crisis. Passion and progressiveness is how this individual should be described in balancing their need to ensure compliance and challenge the status quo and create excitement and motivation the division.
Closes: 24 February 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Municipality of South Dundas |
As the senior administrative leader within the Municipality of South Dundas, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) offers strategic advice and guidance to the Council, staff, and the public on best practices in governance and efficient administration.
The CAO is responsible for providing effective leadership to the Municipality's management and staff, overseeing the allocation of human, financial, and physical resources to ensure the successful achievement of Council’s directives through operational and strategic efforts.
Key Competencies:
1. Achieves Excellence: Provides strategic leadership, effective governance, and builds a positive work culture while meeting municipal goals.
2. Adapts to Change: Focuses on solutions, demonstrates managerial courage, and achieves and maintains a high level of trust and confidence with both Council and staff.
3. Adjusts to Ambiguity: Manages change effectively by setting clear priorities, expectations, and metrics, and can guide/connect routine efforts to organizational strategic priorities.
4. Aligns Interests: Builds connections and alignment between Council and administration.
5. Anticipates Situations: is able to be decisive and act quickly to find effective solutions while continuing to achieving results. The salary range for this position is $138,036 – 169,779. Closes: 10 February 2025 |
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The Town of Gore Bay is located on Manitoulin Island in Ontario on the majestic north channel of Lake Huron, with access to the best freshwater boating in the world. Gore Bay offers a splendid outdoor experience, with a pristine natural setting.
With a population of approximately 1,000, the Town of Gore Bay also serves as a busy service hub to the surrounding municipalities, serving 4,500 people in total. Whether you need to visit the bank, send a letter at the post office, or access vital services at Service Ontario, everything is a walkable distance. From well-stocked grocery aisles, to trusted legal services and courthouse, to financial services, to transportation services, to a modernized local airport, the Town offers all the essential services needed for everyday life.
Boasting one of the finest marinas on the North Channel, combined with several kilometres of world class hiking trails with breathtaking views, and an exceptional boardwalk that winds its way through Town, Gore Bay offers exceptional opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, Gore Bay offers unparalleled access to recreational activities such as basketball, tennis, pickleball, a splash pad and playground, a golf course, an arena (with thriving minor and adult hockey programs), an active curling club, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting opportunities, a seniors centre, and a fitness centre. Moreover, Gore Bay offers unmatched entertainment, cultural, and culinary experiences, including a theatre, an art gallery, museums, a number of charming shops, restaurants, a craft brewery, and the annual Harbour Days festival.
For families, Gore Bay offers educational excellence with a welcoming public school and daycare, ensuring a nurturing environment for young learners. The Town also takes pride in its exceptional medical facilities, featuring a medical centre staffed by five doctors, a dedicated dentist, and a long-term care home.
Looking ahead, Gore Bay is actively pursuing a vision to double its population over the next 20 years, and with our progressive council, we are well on our way! In Gore Bay, future residents will find a Town that is growing in both size and opportunity, where community spirit and modern ambitions go hand in hand. (The Town’s initiatives, at a glance, can be found here).
The Town of Gore Bay is looking for a people leader that inspires a high-performance team to deliver extraordinary services for the community we serve. The successful candidate will receive a competitive starting salary within the range of $90,000 to $110,000, coupled with an OMERS pension and excellent benefits package. (More details on the position can be found on the following pages).
Closes: 28 February 2025.
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Deputy Chief Administrative Officer |
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is a single tier municipality. Located between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, Chatham-Kent covers a large geographical area of 2,500 sq. km. Each community in Chatham-Kent has its own unique character and history, but all enjoy the safe and affordable lifestyle that makes the region popular. Chatham-Kent's population has steadily been increasing and diversifying. Chatham-Kent is currently home to 106,091 people and over 55 languages are spoken. With a population density of 42.4 people/sq. km, there is plenty of room to grow.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) will be an executive team member who will be responsible for assisting the CAO in developing and implementing the Municipality’s strategic plans, delivering upon Council’s term priorities, and overseeing long-range municipal wide projects and other initiatives, at times in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor. The DCAO will also be responsible for coordinating the municipality’s advocacy to provincial and federal levels of government on matters of municipal or regional interest and importance. In addition, the DCAO will provide leadership and oversight in certain corporate and customer facing services, to be determined based on and tailored to the candidate’s experience and development profile. The DCAO may also serve as the Acting CAO in the CAO’s absence to ensure business operations are carried out in a professional and customer service-oriented manner.
The Deputy CAO is a member of the Executive Management Team and attends all Council meetings.
This permanent full-time position has an annual wage range of $196,476 to $240,957, plus participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory), vacation entitlement and a comprehensive benefit package that includes life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, extended health and dental benefits following the successful completion of a 3-month waiting period. Closes: 31 January 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (Brockville) |
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (Leeds Grenville), with a population of 100,546, has 13 dynamic municipalities within its borders. They include 10 municipalities and 3 member municipalities. All offer an excellent quality of life set over a diverse landscape. Investment and new business is welcome throughout the region. This is an area "Where lifestyle grows Good Business." The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is a transportation hub in the Province of Ontario. Its location stretches over 3,350-square kilometres and offers business and industry enviable access to Highways 401 and 416, the main CNR line, a deep-water port and two international bridges to the U.S. The Counties are centrally located between Toronto and Montreal. International airports are within 30 to 60 minutes. The entire United Counties region boasts a high quality of life and it has earned the World Health Organization's Safe Communities designation.
As the administrative lead of the Counties, the CAO performs the duties and functions and exercises the powers assigned by the Municipal Act and other enactments, or those assigned by Council. This position leads the Corporation and Senior Directors, and is a key advisor to Council, providing vision and leadership, and informing Council on the operation and affairs of the Counties. The CAO must recommend policies, plans, and programs that will benefit The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville by being strategic, innovative, accountable and fiscally sound in the administration and coordination of the delivery of services and businesses in a manner that will ensure the sustainable utilization of human, financial and physical resources of the Counties.
Leading a talented team of staff, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in their efficient delivery of municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on the Counties Core Values of Accountability, Inclusivity, Respect and Improvement-Focused. The Chief Administrative Officer is a visible partner in the community and workplace and a champion of community engagement, development and sustainability. Closes: 6 February 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer |
The Township of North Huron is a progressive, vibrant and growing community of over 5,000 residents. Located within Huron County, North Huron is comprised of the former Village of Blyth, the former Township of East Wawanosh, and the former Town of Wingham. North Huron is a community with strong agricultural and rural roots, and boasts excellent farmland, engaged volunteer groups, beautiful and rugged landscapes, modern and productive agricultural businesses and a business community that is global, progressive, and growing. North Huron also serves as a regional hub for northern Huron County and southern Bruce County by providing a range of services including education, healthcare, daycare, social services and fire services.
With a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $17M and over 80 permanent and part-time staff, the Township of North Huron is committed to meeting the needs of our residents and business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, trusted and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in municipal government. You will have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with diverse interest holders to foster the development of partnerships, engage and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence.
Reporting to the Reeve 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 will work closely with elected officials 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 efficient, 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 in our strategic plan.
Closes: 31 January 2025 |
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Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Reporting directly to Council, this position is accountable for the overall leadership and administration of municipal operations as well as the execution of Council’s Strategic Priorities and all other objectives, decisions and actions approved by Council. Leading and overseeing the Leadership Team, this position is responsible for providing direction and oversight to all municipal staff, while striving for continuous improvement in performance. The CAO position will inform and guide Council, providing recommendations and advice related to all operations and affairs of the Municipality. The CAO will direct the overall planning, strategy and business affairs of the Municipality of Meaford and ensure all corporate objectives, organizational initiatives, and goals are achieved in accordance with approved bylaws, policies, budgeted resources and strategies.
Qualifications
1. Degree/diploma in business/public administration, political science, finance, engineering, or related discipline with applicable professional designation or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. Minimum 10 years' related experience in management and supervision. Municipal experience is a strong asset.
3. Strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal), organization, analytical, problem-solving, coaching, leadership, motivation and staff development, time management, employee relations, public/media relations, and strategic planning skills.
4. Proven success in strategic thinking, business strategy, and change management.
5. Influencing and motivational skills, extensive experience mediating and resolving conflicts and negotiating complex matters.
6. Ability to be decisive and possess sufficient business acumen and political savvy to assist Mayor and Council with complex decisions and guide staff through challenging initiatives.
7. Thorough knowledge of legislation and provincial policies relative to the municipal process.
8. Ability to demonstrate tact and discretion in handling matters of a confidential or politically sensitive nature; and to maintain confidentiality.
9. Ability to deal effectively and courteously in all aspects of the position; to work effectively at fostering good rapport and cooperative working relationships; and to champion the corporate mission and values.
Full list of Role Specific Duties and Responsibilities on the website
Closes: 24 January 2025 |
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| OMAA would like to welcome the following new members: Billings, Township of Veronique Dion
North Huron, Township Carson Lamb South Glengarry Township Jamie Fawthrop Hornepayne, Township of Jennifer Hill
Arran-Elderslie Emily Dance Cornwall, City of Tracey Bailey Frontenac Islands Vanessa Latimer Port Hope, Municipality of Kate Shuker Scugog, Township of Warren Mar Norwich, Township of James Johnson Southgate, Township of Jim Ellis Halton, Region of Bob Gray Red Lake, Municipality of Michelle Hendry Whitestone, Municipality of Nigel Black West Grey, Municipality of Michele Harris Waterloo, Region of Mathieu Goetzke
Elizabethtown-Kitley Rob Nolan Howick, Township of Caitlin Gillis West Elgin, Municipality of Robin Greenall |
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Admired Leadership Field Notes |
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Skipper thought you might be interested in this newsletter from Admired Leadership. Skipperism will return next week. |
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False Harmony in Teams To avoid conflict and to coexist in relative peace, some teams operate in a false harmony. On these teams, getting along matters much more than reaching the best decision or talking through issues. In meetings, team members engage in surface-level agreement, skipping past candid discussion and debate on nearly every issue. They suppress conflict and disagreement through self-censorship.
In many cases, team members go as far as to metaphorically staple their lips shut and rarely say a word on real issues and decisions. The less said on substantive issues, the better. They instead focus their attention on trivial matters, engaging in light banter where no one can get upset or take issue.
Beneath the surface of this false harmony, team members often harbor underlying tensions, unresolved disputes, and genuine disagreements. In meetings, they nod and agree to decisions. However, under the table, out of sight, their fingers are crossed. Sometimes their toes are too.
Any hidden resentments toward each other or the team leader remain unspoken. Everyone seems to get along and appear committed to collaboration. But the reality is that the desire for harmony replaces the need for excellence.
Leaders naturally prefer a team that gets along, so they can miss the signs that a false harmony exists. In some cases, they can even empower it by dodging disagreement and avoiding anything controversial themselves. Whether the leader is aware or not, the implications are the same. False harmony produces passive-aggressive behavior across the team.
Team members agree and cooperate in meetings only to bad-mouth the leader, the decisions, and each other privately later. When team members only talk about what they really think away from the team table, the back channel is full of noise and derision. Team morale plummets. The ability to reach quality decisions and execute them falls to near zero.
There are a variety of reasons team members might promote a false harmony. In addition to avoiding conflict, teams will engage falsely to negate an abusive leader, to focus on short-term unity, to cover up poor work quality, and to disguise a low work ethic. In rare instances, a team might engage falsely because it has become the norm across the entire organization to behave in this manner.
Leaders who recognize that false harmony exists must establish new norms as to how the team interacts and makes decisions together. Asking team members to outline their views on issues and topics and share them prior to group discussions is a step toward encouraging a more open and transparent conversation.
Outlawing passive-aggressive behavior is also essential. Leaders must confront those who engage in it. False harmony destroys a team’s ability to operate effectively. Agreement on a team is a plus until it becomes superficial. Then it is a curse. |
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MMP and AAF Report Library |
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The Global Risk Report 2025 | World Economic Forum reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress. This edition presents the findings of the Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025 (GRPS), which captures insights from over 900 experts worldwide. The report analyses global risks through three timeframes to support decision- makers in balancing current crises and longer-term priorities
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$200 is a non-partisan project that aims to encourage as many Ontarians as possible to donate the $200 we’ll be receiving from the Ontario Government to an organization that supports the public good. You would make your contribution directly to the organization YOU choose, through its own existing donation platform. The organizers are just asking you to tell them about it, so that they can tell you about the impacts we all made, together. You can pledge your donation and learn more about this project here: https://200dollars.ca/
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New Perkopolis Travel Getaways |
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| Your next sun-filled getaway is calling! Your perks provider, Perkopolis, offers savings on resorts and vacation packages to the Caribbean, Mexico, and other beautiful destinations. Be sure to register for your Perkopolis account to browse exclusive offers from top resorts. In the attached document, you will find all the necessary information to register for your account. Be sure to register now and save this season!
If you have any questions you can contact Perkopolis customer service through live chat, phone, or email. |
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