Data centres are expanding rapidly as is the energy required to keep these assets running. The data centre sector is forecast to represent about 13 per cent of new electricity demand in the province by 2035. To ensure responsible growth that aligns with public priorities, in June 2025 the government introduced legislative amendments that, if passed, will provide authority to set out in regulation that data centres covered by the regulation must meet the certain requirements before connecting or re-connecting to the electricity grid
Bill 40, Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025
has been ordered for Second Reading when the House resumes sitting. In the interim, the Ministry of Energy and Mines is seeking stakeholder input on ten key questions:
New Requirements for Data Centres Seeking to Connect to the Electricity Grid in Ontario The comment period closes on 4 November 2025. |
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The Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, a new Special Operating Agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC).
Build Canada Homes (BCH) will focus primarily on non-market housing, supporting a mix of income needs as part of a national effort to double housing construction, restore affordability, and reduce homelessness. It will work with municipalities, provinces, territories and Indigenous Communities to fight homelessness by building supportive and transitional housing with an investment of $1 billion and will seek to pair these federal investments with employment and health care supports in provinces and territories. BCH will also work with the private sector to deploy modern methods of construction to create a new Canadian housing industry using Canadian materials. Prioritization initially will be placed on creating 4000 factory-built units in six select Canadian cities, including Toronto and Ottawa, with additional capacity of up to 45,000 units across the portfolio.
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Top 10 Ways Mayors and Councils Can Support their CAO and Senior Staff | |
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Strong municipalities are built on partnerships between elected officials and administrative staff. When mayors, councils, and their CAO with senior leaders work in
alignment, they create trust, clarity, and mutual respect. This collaboration turns policy into action, strengthens decision-making, and ensures services are delivered with
confidence and efficiency.
Our new Top 10 List highlights the top ten practical ways mayors and councils can provide support, build trust, and create the conditions for effective leadership
and administration. |
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| OMAA is here for you no matter what stage of career you are in. That's why we're very pleased to offer the following session at the upcoming workshop in NOTL:
Moving On — Life and Career Options After Retirement
Retirement from a CAO role doesn’t mean the end of meaningful work, leadership, or purpose. This candid, engaging session explores the diverse paths senior municipal leaders have taken after stepping away from full-time service. Don Shropshire will share the rewards and realities of serving as an Interim CAO. Bob Casselman will reflect on the shift to and consideration for full retirement. Janice Baker will discuss contributing at the governance level by being a Board member.
The trade show and golf tournament have sold out. There is limited space left in the pre-workshop Guided Hike and Butterfly Conservatory Trip. There are very few rooms left in the hotel block at the Prince of Wales. Book today! Updated Fall Workshop Program at a Glance |
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OMAA and the Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association (OMHRA) are pleased to release the second edition of the CAO Employment Guide.
This guidebook provides Mayors, Councillors, Human Resource Directors, and CAOs with practical tools for recruiting, employing, and evaluating a CAO. The second edition includes guidance for Strong Mayor municipalities, along with: -
Best practices for CAO recruitment.
- Strategies for clarifying Council and CAO roles.
- Templates, options, and alternatives for employment contracts.
- Approaches and tools for performance evaluations.
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Scalable practices for municipalities of all sizes.
- Advice on when to consider external expertise in the CAO placement process.
We recognize that strong Council–CAO relationships are built on clear recruitment processes, defined roles and responsibilities, fair employment terms, and effective performance reviews. Together, these elements strengthen collaboration and support good governance across Ontario municipalities.
The guide can be accessed under the CAO Placement tab in the Member Library going forward. |
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Having a hard time finding a planner? | |
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Hiring planners from diverse backgrounds – including internationally trained professionals and equity-deserving groups – strengthens your organization and the profession.
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute's Frameworks for Success - Employer Readiness is a free, in-person course that gives employers practical tools to support and invest in new hires, even when their experience varies. This includes an employer handbook (supported by AMO) that explores HR best practices that promote inclusion, retention, and long-term success. Register now!
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Ready to take the Civility Pledge? | |
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The Civility Oath
I pledge to build a stronger and more prosperous community by advocating for civil engagement, respecting others and their viewpoints, and finding solutions for the betterment of my town. |
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In 2021, the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s board of directors adopted a strategic plan that included restoring civility in government as a top priority.
As destructive as incivility can be in everyday life, it is particularly harmful in a city council meeting, or in our municipal offices. Local government is about solving practical problems, and anything that interferes with effective, respectful communication, renders nearly impossible the vital jobs our members do. That's why many cities and towns in the state start their meetings with everyone in attendance reciting the civility oath.
Check out the Nine Pillars of Civility and a sample Council resolution pledging to practice and promote civility: Civility. Respect. Solutions. | MASC |
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Only 12 days left to apply for the Bursary |
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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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Chief Administrative Officer / Clerk |
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Township of North Stormont |
The Chief Administrative Officer / Clerk (CAO/Clerk) is the senior administrative official of the Township and serves as the principal advisor to Council. This role provides strategic leadership, oversees the administration of municipal operations, and ensures the effective implementation of Council’s directives. The CAO/Clerk is responsible for guiding the organization toward operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and responsive service delivery, while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Governance & Council Support Serve as chief policy advisor to Council, offering professional guidance and comprehensive information to support informed decision-making. Prepare and manage Council and Committee agendas, minutes, by-laws, and reports. Champion and communicate Council decisions, ensuring timely and effective implementation. Provide ongoing support to the Mayor and Council members in their governance roles.
2. Strategic Leadership & Corporate Administration Lead the development and execution of strategic plans, corporate initiatives, and service delivery improvements. Exercise general control and management of municipal affairs in accordance with the Municipal Act, by-laws, and approved policies. Direct the Senior Management Team in corporate planning, policy development, and service level optimization. Monitor and enhance municipal services to ensure they are coordinated, contemporary, and responsive to community needs. Provide leadership in fostering economic development initiatives, including business retention and expansion, investment attraction, and partnerships that support sustainable community growth.
3. Financial Management Lead the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial forecasting. Monitor financial performance and ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations. Authorize expenditures and enter into contracts in accordance with the Procurement Policy and Council’s delegation of authority. 4. Human Resources & Organizational Development Oversee all aspects of human resource management including recruitment, performance evaluation, compensation, training, labour relations, and succession planning. Promote a respectful, inclusive, and productive workplace culture. Ensure compliance with provincial and federal employment legislation.
5. Legislative & Statutory Duties Perform statutory duties under the Municipal Act and other relevant legislation including the Planning Act, Drainage Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Municipal Elections Act. Administer municipal elections in accordance with legislative requirements. Ensure compliance with policies related to health and safety, emergency management, and accessibility.
6. Stakeholder Relations & Communications Act as a liaison with elected officials, internal departments, other governments, residents, community organizations, and the media. Respond to inquiries, monitor sensitive issues, and take corrective action where necessary. Represent the Township in public forums and foster civic engagement. Oversee legal matters and keep Council apprised of status and progress. Act as a signing officer for the Corporation and manage the purchase and sale of municipal land in collaboration with legal counsel and the Clerk.
7. Clerk Responsibilities & Legislative Services Perform Clerk duties under the Municipal Act and other statutes. Maintain official records and manage Council documentation. Administer elections, records management, and access to information. Advise on procedural and legislative matters; support Council’s statutory functions.
Closes: 6 October 2025 |
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Senior Director, Strategies and Initiatives |
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and participating as a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the Strategies and Initiatives Branch — overseeing strategic planning, performance measurement, enterprise risk management, continuous improvement and emergency management across the Region. Your work will be instrumental in translating Council’s Vision into tangible and actionable results, guiding strategic initiatives and aligning organizational operations with the Region’s long-term goals. In this high-impact role, you will oversee development and delivery of the Region’s corporate strategic plan, coordinating updates every four years and reporting annually to Council on progress. You’ll lead the charge on continuous improvement and innovation, champion enterprise risk and performance management frameworks, and guide change management initiatives that ensure York Region remains a forward-thinking, results-driven organization. With oversight of the Region’s emergency management and business continuity programs, you’ll ensure we are prepared to respond to crises and maintain service continuity under any circumstances, championing innovation at all steps. Your ability to connect the dots between people, data and strategy will help York Region advance its strategic priorities and vision — fostering a high-performing, resilient public service that delivers real, measurable outcomes for our diverse communities. We’re looking for a collaborative, dynamic, and strategic leader with deep experience in public sector transformation, enterprise planning and cross-functional execution. If you are ready to make a lasting impact and help shape the Region’s future, we want to hear from you.
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources. WHAT WE OFFER Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls. Defined Benefit Pension Program – With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions. Employer of Choice – Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations. Benefits and Wellness – Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Inclusive and Diverse Workforce – We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
Salary Grade: $168,015.00 – $197,574.00
Closes: 30 September 2025 |
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Director of Transportation and Fleet Management Services |
As one of Southern Ontario’s fastest growing cities, with its mix of urban and rural areas, Vaughan is an in-demand place to live and work. Vaughan is considered one of Canada’s most family friendly cities with a dynamic and diverse population of over 300,000. With one of the top performing economies, a growing tourism industry and an enviable portfolio of recreational and cultural venues, this is the place where you want to be.
Responsible for: Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Public Works, the Director of Transportation & Fleet Management Services is responsible for leadership and direction of the Transportation & Fleet Services department, including overall management of road maintenance, winter control, traffic engineering and operations, right-of-way and utility coordination, and fleet services. The Director ensures that the Department’s direction and activities are aligned with Corporate strategies and priorities, are compliant with regulatory requirements, and are positioning the Department for future success. The Director is responsible for fostering a culture of respect, dedication and accountability, where team members are engaged and eager to contribute ideas and innovations toward optimizing performance, value and citizen satisfaction.
The ideal candidate holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Business, Business, Public Administration (or suitable equivalent). They have a minimum of ten (10) years demonstrated experience in transportation engineering or maintenance of public infrastructure, including several years of direct senior managerial experience that includes program, financial, budget, and human resource management. They are a registered Professional Engineer (P. Eng) with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
In addition to offering a competitive compensation package, we have a strong focus on health and wellness, including fitness facilities and family-focused benefits
Closes: 17 October 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
The Municipality of Thames Centre has a population of approximately 13,759 and is situated at the east end of the County of Middlesex. Thames Centre borders London directly to the east, features easy access to the London International Airport and is located near the centre of Southwestern Ontario along highway 401 between highways 402 and 403. This strategic access to the 401 allows residents and businesses easy access to London, Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Toronto and the central and eastern United States.
With a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $33M and over 100 permanent and part-time staff, the Municipality of Thames Centre is committed to meeting the needs of our residents and business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
In 2024, The Municipality has adopted a strategic plan for the current term of Council and beyond. The vision is a vibrant and safe community combining innovation and tradition for all stages of our life. The mission is to work together to sustain and grow the community through quality services and responsible leadership. The new strategic plan is based on a foundation of sustainability, the pillars of which include the Framework of Smart Planning, Community Communication & Engagement, Active Living and Economic Development. These pillars strengthen the Strategic Priorities of the Municipality.
Inspire our Future as our Chief Administrative Officer
As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in an efficient and fiscally accountable fashion with related experience from either a public sector or private sector organization. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with an engaged council, diverse stakeholders, foster the development of partnerships, develop our workforce and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence. Lastly, you will have an exceptional understanding of forward-thinking strategies as it relates managing responsible growth, ensuring effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion and guiding our organization into the future, while retaining our small-town community charm.
Closes: September 21st or sooner |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Due to the retirement of the incumbent, the Township of Perth South, containing a blend of highly productive agricultural operations and desirable residential properties, is seeking an experienced individual to become its Chief Administrative Officer.
The Township of Perth South was incorporated in 1998 following the amalgamation of the Township of Downie and Township of Blanshard. The municipality offers the best of rural and small town environments. With over 3800 residents and 80 businesses, there are welcoming people and ample opportunities for everyone. |
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I was listening to the radio the other day when I heard a song say: But I've been told
That it will get better when it rains
The flowers, they won't grow
With only the good and sunny days
'Cause it's only when it rains that we grow
But it's only when it rains that we grow
Don't let the dance beat fool you, Astrid S is onto something here. Inevitable shifts and disruptions are what builds us up. The Stoics held this universal truth in high regard. Epicetetus, for example, said "Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own inner resources. The trails we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. Prudent people look beyond the incident itself and seek to form the habit of putting it to good use....You possess strengths you might not realize you have. Find the right one. Use it.”
Marcus Aurelius added "It’s unfortunate that this has happened. No. It’s fortunate that this has happened and I’ve remained unharmed by it—not shattered by the present or frightened of the future. It could have happened to anyone. But not everyone could have remained unharmed by it."
Leadership in local government is not glamorous. It often involves long hours, quiet disappointments, and small victories mostly unseen. Yet, like the farmer who knows each drought season toughens the roots of his crop, the CAO can come to see that trials are not interruptions to leadership but essential parts of it.
In this lies the true apprenticeship of serving a community: to welcome tribulation not as punishment but as invitation. An invitation to deepen patience, sharpen judgment, and discover courage you did not know you carried. And if one day you find yourself strangely steadier, calmer in the eye of the storm, you will know that in trial you have become not just more resilient, but more human.
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Run Where You Are is a free, inspiring virtual event to help women and gender-diverse folks in Ontario take the leap into municipal leadership.
What You’ll Gain This virtual kick-off is about more than inspiration. It will: Demystify the process of running for office Connect participants with regional campaign schools and support networks Provide practical insights from leaders who have successfully navigated the political journey Build confidence for those considering their first steps into leadership Join us on September 23, 2025 at 7PM EST for an engaging virtual one-hour session that includes: Keynote Speaker: Hear from an inspiring leader who has walked this path Real Talk Panel: Learn from three diverse voices in politics
Breakout Sessions: Choose a conversation that meets you where you are: Curious About Running, Deciding to Run, Running Again or Supporting a Campaign. |
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The trade war took a larger than expected bite out of Canadian gross domestic product in Q2, but data still shows an economy that has weathered recent trade pressures better than feared when uncertainty was most acute in the spring. Read RBC's Quarterly Canadian Outlook: Quarterly Canadian outlook: Low but positive growth ahead - RBC |
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