The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy conducted a Clause-by-Clause consideration of Bill 9, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 in relation to codes of conduct on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack committed to moving the Bill forward during the Minister's Forum at the AMO Conference. OMAA continues to monitor progress and hopes that our suggestions for improvement, which were echoed by AMO, AMCTO, and many others, focused on Time, Thresholds, and Trust will be included in the final version of the Bill. |
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New Speakers Added to Fall Workshop |
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We are pleased to confirm that Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack has been confirmed for the Fall Workshop.
We've also added a session on StrategyCorp's CAO Survey to be delivered by VP Stacy Hushion.
The trade show has sold out and there is limited space left in the pre-workshop events: Golf Tournament and Guided Hike and Butterfly Conservatory Trip. Book today to avoid missing out.
Updated Fall Workshop Program at a Glance |
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Member Request: Community Benefit Agreements | |
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| Have you recently negotiated a Community Benefit Agreement with energy developers for solar, wind, or battery storage projects? Loyalist Township CAO Rebecca Murphy is looking for good examples and OMAA is interested in building a repository in the library. How was the compensation calculated? Did you use a formula or was it based on their offer? Would you be willing to share the price you received/KWH? Please email OMAA any documents you can share or Rebecca to set up a conversation. |
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OMAA is accepting applications for the 2025 Maureen McCauley Bursary until 30 September.
Thanks to our partner AMO, we can now offer two $5,000 bursaries annually to support the education of future municipal government leaders. The Bursary is available to any student in a post secondary program meeting the following criteria: - Is a student residing in Ontario.
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Has completed at least one year of an Ontario university or an Ontario community college program that has the potential to lead to a municipal government career.
- Has submitted a completed Application Form.
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OMERS Mid Year Financial Update |
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While the uncertainty in global markets has been challenging for all investors, OMERS had a positive start, and the Plan continues to demonstrate resilience. Over the first six months of 2025, the OMERS Plan generated a net investment return of 2.2% or a gain of $3.1 billion bringing the 10-year net investment income figure to $70.2 billion. Net assets at June 30, 2025 totalled $140.7 billion. Over the five years that we have reported our mid-year investment update, global team and investment strategies have delivered an average annual net return of 8.7%.?
You can see more details here: Mid-year Investment Update
The OMERS Annual Meeting will be held on 2 April 2026. This hybrid event includes the option to attend in person in Toronto or virtually. More details will be provided in the coming months. |
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FAO Ontario Economic Monitor |
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The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario's latest report reveals Ontario’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by a solid 0.6% from the previous quarter, led by gains in international exports, household consumption and business investment in machinery and equipment, partially offset by lower residential investment.
But the latest economic indicators suggest mostly negative results for Ontario’s economy in the second quarter of 2025, with losses in employment, manufacturing sales, wholesale and retail trade, and international exports. |
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2026 CAO Leadership Course | |
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| Are you an Aspiring CAO interested in taking the next step in your career? Or a new CAO looking to sharpen your skills?
The CAO Leadership Program is your next step. This immersive, made-in-Ontario program—designed by CAOs, for CAOs—delivers the practical tools and insights needed to thrive at the top. - Interactive sessions
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Peer learning with experienced mentors
- Tailored for real-world municipal challenges
- Empower your leadership journey with OMAA.
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Director of Long Term Care Services |
Home to 433 residents, Pioneer Manor is one of Northern Ontario’s largest long-term care facilities. We provide 24-hour compassionate, individualized care to adults who can no longer live independently. Referred through Home and Community Care Support Services, our residents benefit from a holistic approach that supports their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The City of Greater Sudbury is currently seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Long-Term Care Services to lead Pioneer Manor. Reporting directly to the General Manager of Community Well-Being, this key leadership role is responsible for the overall operational management and excellence of our long-term care services, ensuring the highest standard of care for residents and support for our dedicated staff.
What You’ll Do Lead with strategy: Develop and implement the division’s business and strategic plans to meet evolving community needs. Oversee operations: Administer all aspects of our Long-Term Care Facility in compliance with legislative standards and best practices. Drive quality outcomes: Ensure exceptional resident care, continuous quality improvement and full regulatory compliance. Influence and advocate: Liaise with provincial ministries, government agencies and community stakeholders to optimize services and secure funding. Manage resources: Oversee budgets, staff, programs and facility upgrades in alignment with corporate priorities. Build partnerships: Engage with advisory panels, families, volunteers and professionals to support collaborative and compassionate care.
The range of pay for this position is $159,442.29 to $187,724.25 per annum.
Closes: 12 September 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
The Township of Springwater is a progressive, mixed urban-rural municipality located in the heart of Simcoe County, approximately 100 kilometres north of Toronto and neighbouring the City of Barrie. Home to a population of 22,700 and growing. Springwater features a blend of thriving urban settlements and a prosperous agricultural sector. The Township includes eight settlement areas: Midhurst, Elmvale, Snow Valley, Centre Vespra, Minesing, Anten Mills, Phelpston, and Hillsdale. Amalgamated in 1994, it is one of sixteen lower-tier municipalities within the greater County of Simcoe. Known for its scenic hiking trails, rich agricultural amenities, vibrant urban centres and the purest groundwater in Canada, Springwater offers residents a healthy lifestyle, a strong sense of community and one of Ontario's largest municipally owned forest networks, with a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Township is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace where employee wellness, learning, and collaboration are prioritized. With flexible work options and a supportive environment, Springwater is a place where you can find balance and grow your career.
Reporting to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of the affairs of the Township in accordance with the objectives approved by the Mayor. Acts as the key advisor and liaison to the Mayor and Council. As the most senior appointed official, the CAO delivers on the Strategic Plan and is responsible for all human, physical and financial resources of the Township, attending Council/Committee meetings, and formulating and implementing policy, service level. The CAO leads and directs the Township’s Executive Team, to ensure effective and efficient service delivery that is aligned with Springwater Council’s strategic priorities and assumes full responsibility for implementing Township policies, decisions, and programs.
The ideal candidate is a motivational, values-driven, and team-oriented leader with a strong history of success in municipal government or a comparable business setting. Bringing outstanding communication skills, political insight, and a talent for building partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders – all while motivating staff and upholding the highest standards of customer service. The ideal candidate will lead a skilled team, within a unionized and non-unionized environment, inspiring a committed workforce and cultivating a workplace culture centered on service excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion and diversity.
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General Manager of Corporate Services / Legal |
The General Manager of Corporate Services / Legal is a key senior leadership role within the Township of Ramara, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This position provides strategic oversight and expert direction for four critical municipal functions: Legal Services, Clerk’s Services, Financial Services, and Human Resources. As the Township’s primary legal advisor, the General Manager ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, municipal by-laws, and corporate policies. The role involves attending Council and Committee meetings, offering legal counsel on corporate matters, and supporting the development and implementation of effective corporate-wide policies.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the General Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the Township’s long-term vision, championing the corporate mission and values, and advancing strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and public service delivery. The position promotes an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement by mentoring and empowering staff, supporting succession planning, and fostering professional development across departments. With direct responsibility for the Directors of Finance, Human Resources, and Legislative Services, the General Manager leads corporate planning efforts, manages risk, guides collective bargaining and labour relations strategies, and ensures transparent, fiscally responsible budgeting and reporting processes. This multifaceted leadership role is critical in ensuring that the Township of Ramara operates in a forward-thinking, compliant, and service-oriented manner.
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My friend Atlas came over the other day. She is amazing at fetch. I made sure to make time to tell her so. There’s a certain magic in the act of building up others. Like water seeping into the roots of a tree, it nourishes in ways that are hard to measure but impossible to deny. The Greek philosopher Epictetus wrote, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Praise is one of those reactions. In a world that leans so often toward critique, choosing to notice what is good in another is a deliberate act of resistance. It shifts the current of conversation and the current of someone’s day.
The American philosopher William James added “The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” We are wired to seek connection, affirmation, belonging. Praise is the bridge that spans the lonely distance between self-doubt and self-worth. Real praise requires seeing the truth of someone’s effort, naming it, and handing it back to them as a gift.
When you build others up, you expand too. Each genuine word of encouragement enlarges the circle of possibility for everyone in it. Praise is not just an act of kindness, it is also an act of leadership. So find someone today who least expects your praise, and give it freely. Watch how the ground shifts beneath them and you too. |
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Looking for something to do this weekend?
Running August 28–31, the The Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival features major concerts including Finger Eleven, Blacklist Social, and the Sunset Music Festival lineup, alongside family attractions, heritage tours, culinary experiences, and community events. With its blend of music, food, and “Salty” attractions like the Compass Minerals Above Ground Salt Experience and Mine Rescue Demonstrations, the festival continues to showcase the vibrant spirit of Goderich.
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The MEA is offering a OPS 101 course (webinar) on Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS) for Roads and Public Works (OPS), the rational/history regarding OPS, it's governance and the benefits of using these harmonized standards. The fundamental elements of typical public works contact, and the means of building better contracts using OPS manuals will be explained through group exercises. Other critical components in contract development will be discussed in the municipal public works context. Case studies will be used to explore the real-world applications of these topics.
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OMAA: Connecting CAOs, Strengthening Municipalities You’re receiving this e-mail because you signed up for the OMAA newsletter.
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