The OMAA Board and an external consultant engaged in a full day strategic planning session on 26 September. Work continues on the plan in advance of sharing it with the membership later this fall.
At its 27 September meeting, the Board reviewed a full agenda focused on advocacy, education, membership growth, and organizational priorities. Highlights included updates on recent provincial meetings, progress from the Education and Workshop Planning Committees, and recognition of the strong calibre of this year’s PJ Marshall Award submissions. The Board discussed opportunities to strengthen municipal involvement in energy planning, endorsed a new AI Usage Policy to ensure ethical and transparent adoption, and received strong communications and membership reports showing rising engagement and membership growth. Financial reserves remain healthy, while events continue to draw strong interest, with the Fall Workshop registration near capacity and the 2026 CAO Certificate Program 1/3 full already.
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Registration for the Fall Workshop closes 10 October.
Sessions cover a wide breath of topics including emergency response and floodplain planning, CAO career trajectory report and the annual survey, attracting employees, restoring workplaces, and much more. See the full details in the updated program.
This is your chance to network with top municipal leaders, spark new ideas, and take home insights you can put to work right away.
Spots are going, going… almost gone. Don’t wait—lock in your spot today! Register now before its too late. |
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Director of Strategic Initiatives and Municipal Design |
Leamington is at the forefront of transformative growth, and we are seeking a visionary leader to help guide this exciting chapter. As Director of Strategic Initiatives and Municipal Design, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Municipality’s future through strategic planning, community development, and the advancement of capital growth projects that will define Leamington for generations to come.
Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), this new senior leadership position will provide strategic direction for Planning and Development Services, Communications and Corporate Identity, and Organizational Excellence (formerly Human Resources). You will also be responsible for advancing Council’s Strategic Plan priorities, including fostering and strengthening cooperative relationships with Indigenous communities, particularly the Caldwell First Nation.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Director will contribute to an engaged and high-performing organization while serving on the Municipality’s Growth Team which is a dedicated group tasked with aligning financial investment and purposefully planning capital projects. This role demands a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, can navigate complex portfolios, and is committed to building a community where people choose to live, work, and invest.
Salary Range: $173,725 to $203,234 annually (2025 Rates)
Closes: 21 October 2025
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
The Township of Manitouwadge is located in Northern Ontario in the heart of the Boreal forest with the Canadian Shield as our backdrop. Manitouwadge is 54 km north of the Trans-Canada Highway, and roughly 400 km east of Thunder Bay and 425 km west of Sault Ste. Marie.
The community is an ideal location for year-round outdoor adventure and is encompassed by the magnificent Boreal forest, surrounding lakes, and offers a wide range of summer and winter outdoor adventure opportunities. Hike the well-maintained Perry Lake Trail, paddle through one of the many canoe routes, visit the waterfront at Lion’s Beach or Prospector’s Park or take a swim in one of the many lakes and rivers surrounding the community. The 9-hole Municipal Golf Course offers a picturesque setting on a fun and varied course. From excellent summer and winter fishing, skiing on their 10-run ski hill, snowmobiling or ATVing, canoeing or kayaking there’s something for everyone in Manitouwadge.
Manitouwadge, a full-service community of 2,000 residents, has a long history in both the forestry and mining sectors with the availability of both well-paying jobs and affordable housing, offering some of the lowest housing and commercial property prices in Ontario.
With a combined operational and capital budget of over $20M and over 30 full and part-time employees, the Township of Manitouwadge is committed to meeting the needs of residents and a thriving business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments with related experience from either a public sector or private sector organization in a unionized environment. 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 to ensuring effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion, guiding our organization into the future, while retaining our northern community roots and charm.
The salary range for this position is very competitive and includes fully-paid group benefits and participation in the OMERS pension program. Closes: 23 October 2025 |
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General Manager of Development Services |
The Town of East Gwillimbury is looking for an experienced leader to serve as General Manager of the Development Services Department. This is unique opportunity to for someone who likes a to make a difference, especially if you are a leader with past proven results, and you embrace innovation and contemporary business approaches.
East Gwillimbury is located along Highway 404 in northern York Region, is a premier centre for growth within the GTA and is also Canada's fastest-growing municipality (based on 2021 Census data.) An additional 90 thousand persons and 30 thousand jobs are expected over the next 25 years, more than triple the current population.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the General Manager of Development Services is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Development Services Department for the Town of East Gwillimbury including Planning, Building and Economic Development. The General Manager and their team will strive to ensure that development in East Gwillimbury meets high community standards.
This role will suit someone with a minimum of ten (10) years of work experience within managerial and leadership roles, with a progressive leadership style, excellent communication skills, and the proven ability to manage within a municipal team environment. You will have a minimum of five (5) years of both strategic and Planning experience at a senior leadership level. With your strong problem solving and analytical skills, you have the ability to establish effective relationships with all levels within the Town and external parties of interest. You are recognized for excellent leadership; interpersonal and supervisory skills combined with a demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and exercise exceptional political acuity.
The ideal candidate will hold a university degree in Planning, accompanied by additional studies in Public Administration, Ontario Building Code requirements and/or post-graduate Business & Management studies. Demonstrated experience/background in business process review, master planning and community design, land economics and development industry business needs would also be an asset. In addition, the candidate should be a member in good standing with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) accompanied by the Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.
Salary Range: $183,547 - $215,929 (Band 13) Closes: 13 October 2025
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Township of Hamilton (Cobourg, Ontario) |
The Township of Hamilton is a vibrant rural municipality in southern Ontario, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural roots, and entrepreneurial spirit. Established in 1850, it is nestled between Lake Ontario to the south and the tranquil waters of Rice Lake to the north, with the rolling hills of Northumberland providing a scenic backdrop. Home to approximately 11,000 residents, the Township features eight charming hamlets (Baltimore, Bewdley, Camborne, Cold Springs, Gore’s Landing, Harwood, Plainville, and Precious Corners), each with its own distinct character. The community’s strong agricultural base, diverse small businesses, and service providers contribute to a supportive local economy, while the abundance of outdoor recreation and the Oak Ridges Moraine showcase the area’s rich natural environment.
Conveniently located halfway between Toronto and Kingston, with access from Hwy. 401, the Township of Hamilton offers excellent work-life balance, combining the professional challenge of municipal leadership with the benefits of a small, close-knit community. Residents and staff alike value collaboration, mutual support, and the rural quality of life, while enjoying convenient access to larger urban centres. Whether drawn by the countryside, the lakes, or the welcoming community spirit, the Township is a picturesque place to live, work, and visit.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the CAO serves as the chief policy advisor to Council, leader and supervisor of the Township’s employees, and manages the municipality's resources in accordance with legislation and Council policy, in cooperation with Department Heads. A key focus of this role is strengthening customer service and responsiveness to residents, ensuring that the Township remains a trusted, service-oriented partner for its community. The CAO will also foster teamwork across departments, promote innovation, and guide succession planning to build a sustainable organization for the future.
The range of pay for this position is $146,110 - $170,934 + OMERS pension + benefits. |
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Director of Long Term Care |
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. We also offer a comprehensive health benefits plan (100 per cent employer paid), OMERS pension plan, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, plus more. We offer the flexibility to work remotely on a part-time basis, along with a supportive work environment that promotes work-life integration. |
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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 / Clerk |
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.
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.
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.
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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Walk through almost any town these days and you’ll hear the word “taxpayer” thrown around like it’s the only badge we wear in public life. We pay, therefore we are. But this is a thin vision of who we are. To be called a taxpayer is to be reduced to a ledger entry, a cost-benefit calculation, a receipt for a service rendered. Citizenship is larger: messier, more demanding, and nobler.
Aristotle once wrote, “Man is by nature a political animal.” He wasn’t talking about partisan bickering or campaign slogans. He meant that our deepest fulfillment comes when we act in community—building, arguing, shaping, and sometimes even stumbling our way toward a shared life. Citizenship is participation.
Yet the language of taxpayer has crept into our bones. But what happens when we define ourselves only by the dollars we hand over? John Stuart Mill warned us, “Genuine justice can never rest solely on the self-interest of individuals.” If all we are is taxpayers, then the world shrinks to a marketplace, and the bonds of solidarity loosen like old rope.
Citizenship is different. It insists that we are bound to one another not by transaction but by obligation. Simone Weil once said, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” Rootedness requires showing up at the town hall meeting, coaching the soccer team, volunteering at the food bank, writing the letter of concern, and disagreeing fiercely but still standing in the same circle.
To call someone a taxpayer is to keep them at arm’s length, as if their only role is to fund the machine. To call someone a citizen is to recognize that their voice, their labor, and their presence are essential. Taxpayers keep the lights on. Citizens decide what’s worth lighting.
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There are a lot of reasons why Dutch cities are so great, and it's not just bikes. Check out Not Just Bikes for stories of great urban planning & urban experiences. |
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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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