The 1st Session of the 44th Parliament resumes sitting on 20 October 2025. |
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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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Today is your second last day to register for the Fall Workshop as it 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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| Dear colleagues, I’m excited to share that the upcoming workshop is just around the corner – taking place this October in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
It’s always a highlight to gather, learn, and exchange ideas in such a vibrant setting. I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with all of you. These workshops are more than just professional development – they’re a chance to strengthen the relationships that make our work so rewarding. Safe travels, and see you soon! Talk soon, Michael |
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Ready to take the next step in your municipal leadership journey?
Whether you’re an Aspiring CAO preparing for your next role or a new CAO eager to strengthen your skills, the CAO Leadership Program is designed for you. This intensive 5-day program—created by CAOs, for CAOs equips you with the practical tools, insights, and confidence to lead effectively at the top. What to expect:
• Interactive, hands-on learning
• Peer connections and mentorship from experienced CAOs
• Solutions tailored to real municipal challenges
• Flexible participation—join in person or remotely Step into the role with clarity, capability, and confidence.
Enroll today to accelerate your leadership growth. |
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Low-key start to the fall for Canada’s housing market | |
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RBC Economics's latest report on housing find that persistent affordability challenges coupled with softening labour market conditions continue constraining household purchasing power in these regions.
Lingering supply constraints are holding back activity and sustaining home value appreciation in other parts of the country. RBC expects diverging regional dynamics to continue through fall and potentially into early 2026, though a more robust recovery should gradually emerge as economic momentum builds and employment conditions stabilize. |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Township of North Glengarry (Alexandria) |
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the CAO/Clerk will be a proven leader with a demonstrated ability to embrace change and guide the municipality, as directed by Council. The CAO/Clerk’s primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day administration of the Township of North Glengarry, through its senior management team. The CAO/Clerk supports the Mayor and Council, in directing and developing public policy, ensuring that Council has timely, comprehensive, and relevant information to make well-informed decisions. The Township of North Glengarry is a distinctive and vibrant community, strategically located and known for its exceptional quality of life. Its charm lies in a harmonious blend of rural landscapes and small-town character, enriched by a strong commitment to preserving agricultural lands, natural resources, and its rich historical and cultural heritage. Supported by high-quality municipal services, North Glengarry offers an ideal environment for residents and businesses alike. The Township is seeking a CAO/Clerk who will work collaboratively with Council to build on this foundation and help shape a successful and sustainable future.
Candidates will demonstrate experience in the following five leadership areas: Drives Excellence - Inspires and empowers staff through ongoing development and support, fostering a culture that consistently achieves high performance and results. Embraces Change - Maintains a solution-oriented mindset, demonstrates leadership resilience, and builds strong trust and credibility with both Council and staff. Navigates Uncertainty - Effectively manages evolving circumstances by establishing clear goals, expectations, and performance indicators, while aligning day-to-day efforts with strategic objectives Fosters Alignment - Cultivates strong connections and shared understanding between Council and administration to ensure cohesive decision-making and execution. Responds with Agility - Demonstrates decisiveness and responsiveness in dynamic situations, consistently identifying effective solutions while maintaining focus on outcomes. Salary range = $148,928 - 175,160.
Closes: 20 October 2025 |
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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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I was strolling through the forest the other day when I met a nice lady. She said I was a beautiful toasted marshmallow colour. She then asked my caretaker what kind of dog I was? While brilliant or excellent would have sufficed, he said I was a Golden Doodle. That got me thinking what if I had pups with another mixed dog: those pups would be a quadruple mix. And if the pattern continued, the percentages would be pretty meaningless quite quickly. And does it really matter? Is race real or just a social construct?
Philosophers have long wrestled with how humans invent categories to divide and define one another. Immanuel Kant asserted that “out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” Categories like race are fashioned out of our own imperfections as attempts to impose neatness on something unruly.
John Stuart Mill warned about the danger of mistaking social inventions for truths etched in stone. “Genuine equality between human beings can only rest on the acknowledgment of the same rights,” suggesting that divisions grounded in biology or inheritance serve only to rationalize inequality. The problem is not the differences we perceive, but the weight we allow those differences to carry.
W.E.B. Du Bois named the “double consciousness” that defines life under racial categorization: to always see oneself “through the eyes of others.” Du Bois shows us that race may be built of constructs, but the scaffolding has real force that bends lives, careers, and futures. To deny that race is real is to miss Du Bois’s pain and warning. To claim that race is only natural is to miss Kant and Mill’s insight that human beings are the authors of their own categories.
Perhaps race then sits in the uneasy space between invention and impact. It is “real” only because we continue to build and enforce it, like a levee against the tide of our common humanity. The question for us is whether we will keep patching that levee or let the waters breach it, and perhaps learn to stand together, not parceled into categories, but recognized as crooked timbers cut from the same forest.
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New funding for better plans, stronger trees and healthier lives
Access up to $175,000 to create a plan or study that is focused on the sustainable expansion and resilience of your forests and trees. FCM's Urban forestry plans and studies funding is flexible to meet your community’s needs, whether you're updating a tree planting strategy, developing a new urban forestry policy, or analyzing canopy cover. Developing an urban forest management plan means increasing the resilience and health of your trees. In return, you’ll increase the resilience and health of the people in your community.
Applications are due April 15, 2026. |
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OMAA: Connecting CAOs, Strengthening Municipalities
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