The Ministry is developing a regulatory framework under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. This framework will establish the criteria for designating zones, projects, and proponents to ensure Special Economic Zones advance important economic activities while meeting high standards for operation, safety, and the environment. The Act is structured to include controls through regulation(s) that will ensure responsible decision-making in relation to decisions regarding social, environmental and safety standards. For example, designating a new zone under this Act, and prescribing criteria for zones, designated projects and trusted proponents would be done through a Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) regulation.
You may Comment on the Proposed Special Economic Zones Criteria by November 16, 2025 via: Consultation on Proposed Special Economic Zones Criteria | Environmental Registry of Ontario |
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Ontario's Full Transition to EPR: What Municipal Leaders Need to Know
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On January 1, 2026, the province will complete its transition to full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), changing how recycling programs operate and shifting financial and operational responsibility from municipalities to producers. Understanding the EPR Transition
Under the new system, producers of packaging and paper products are financially responsible and accountable for those materials, over their full life cycle. The transition to EPR has been underway since 2023. By 2026, municipalities will no longer pay for residential recycling programs, freeing up resources for other critical services. Recycling programs founded on the principles of extended producer responsibility improve recycling rates and encourage the more efficient use of materials.
Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that supports producers in meeting their EPR obligations across Canada, serves as the administrator of Ontario's common collection system on behalf of all PROs operating in the province. The organization is committed to a seamless transition for both municipalities and residents.
Unified and Expanded Recycling Options for Residents
One of the most visible benefits of the EPR transition is the launch of a unified materials list and expansion of recyclable materials. Starting January 1, 2026, Ontarians will be able to recycle more materials than ever before, including -
Coffee cups and beverage cups (both hot and cold paper-based and plastic-lined)
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste tubes
- Ice cream tubs
- Black plastic containers
- Frozen juice containers
"Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario residents will be able to recycle the same and even more materials no matter where they live across Ontario," explains Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials. "This will make it easier for residents to recycle, improving recovery rates and benefitting both people and the environment."
This standardization eliminates the confusion that has long plagued recycling efforts, particularly for residents moving between municipalities. "The unified material list and new materials included are a great example of how extended producer responsibility advances innovation and improves environmental outcomes," notes Langdon.
Public Education and Engagement is Critical
Our goal is to support a seamless transition to the new systems for residents. Recognizing the importance of resident awareness, Circular Materials is conducting extensive promotion and education efforts, including a province-wide campaign ahead of January 1, 2026. This robust communications campaign aims to ensure residents understand the new system and expanded recycling options from day one. In addition, each community across Ontario now has a dedicated page on the Circular Materials website providing residents with location-specific recycling information. These pages are a one stop shop where residents can find material guidelines, customer service information and local program details. For municipalities we also have the P&E portal where they can find the municipal toolkit which contains valuable resources to share with residents.
Thank you to Municipal Partners
Communities have and continue to have a pivotal role in ensuring residents are informed of the pending changes to recycling in their community. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our municipal partners. Circular Materials recently shared a municipal toolkit to support with resident awareness and understanding, including Key Messaging and Q&As.
Together, we are working towards a more sustainable future by developing recycling systems that meet the needs of residents and communities and benefit both people and the environment.
For more information, please visit our website or visit the Circular Materials booth in the OMAA Fall 2025 Workshops in Niagara on the Lake Ontario. We are committed to ongoing communication with our communities. If you have questions or want to provide feedback you can reach out directly to our Communications team at Communications@circularmaterials.ca or our Operations team at Operations@circularmaterials.ca
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Why Council-Manager Government Matters Now More Than Ever | |
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This podcast from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) dives into how a team effort led to success advocating for council-manager government in Illinois. Key takeaways include why the council-manager form of government is effective and how to best educate residents.
Perhaps some lessons for Ontario given Chicago was the model for our recent strong mayor legislation. |
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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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Manager, Procurement Services |
Newmarket, Ontario is a vibrant and forward-thinking community that leads with care. As one of the most densely populated municipalities in the province, we’re proud to embrace bold, community-centered initiatives—like transforming the historic Mulock Property into our very own Central Park and revitalizing urban corridors to enhance livability and connection.
Our culture is unique and intentionally crafted through collaboration, inclusion, and a shared leadership commitment to creating an environment for extraordinary public service. Our award-winning Leadership Essentials program was designed to provide our leaders with the tools and expectations that are key to an employee experience that is well beyond the ordinary. This “made in Newmarket” initiative earned Newmarket the 2025 CAMA Inspiring Workplace Award.
Under the direction of the Director, Legal & Procurement Services, the Manager, Procurement Services is responsible for the management and implementation of the work and the achievement of the objectives within Procurement Services Department. This position oversees the procurement of all goods, services and construction for all Town departments and facilities, the Newmarket Public Library, Elman Campbell Museum, Newmarket Hydro, and Central York Fire Services.
Salary Range: $116,312 - $145,390
Closes: 10 November 2025 |
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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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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.
Salary Range: $146,110 - $170,934 + OMERS pension + benefits. |
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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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Was at the park on Monday when a saw a Pug pee right on the bench and a Boxer rip up some flowers. Seems to me that some folks seem to believe that morals and manners are just emotional noise. These ideas pose as sophisticated, but when stripped down, they leave us with a world emptied of moral gravity. Arguing that ethical claims are part of some dominant power structure or feelings masquerading as principle is nihilist nonsense, It erases centuries of struggle to express the conviction that morality is real.
The danger isn’t that such ideas question tradition; it’s that they paralyze. Remove morality’s truth and you lose direction. Deny meaning itself and you sap the courage to build. Albert Camus warned, “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world.” When people stop believing choices can reach toward what is right, persuasion gives way to power, and moral debate collapses into competition for dominance. David Hume argued: “A man who is aware of the advantages of society, and yet does not feel the sentiment of morals, must be a monster.” His empiricism rested on the shared truth that we possess moral instincts not as illusions, but as signals pointing toward something real.
Aristotle said much the same: “The good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.” The terrain of morality may shift across cultures, but its peaks — courage, honesty, compassion, justice — rise in every landscape. People flourish in climates of trust, fairness, and respect. Those are not cultural inventions, but are constants of our nature. To deny them is to deny the anatomy of conscience itself.
The trouble with empty morality is existential. A world without moral truth is not freer. It is colder, smaller, and less civilized. The choice before us is not between certainty and skepticism, but between meaning and vacancy. |
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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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