The province is increasing the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $50 million, bringing the total funding to $600 million for 2026. The funding will support 388 small, northern and rural municipalities and those with a limited property tax base, by providing critical services from public transit and libraries to emergency services and road maintenance.
The additional $50 million enhancement builds on the significant increases in support that the government is providing and represents a combined 20 per cent increase over the last two years. |
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The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation to create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) to lead modernization projects, including: -
developing a single digital permitting platform to provide a faster, more predictable approvals process and improved customer service.
- streamlining and standardizing service delivery by setting clear, provincewide performance standards and support their consistent application by conservation authorities with centralized data and updated floodplain mapping.
- overseeing the implementation of a regional, watershed-based consolidation of conservation authorities.
The government will soon begin consultations with municipalities and other stakeholders on a watershed-based consolidation of conservation authorities, including the proposed regional boundaries of each conservation authority based on the following criteria: - maintaining watershed-based jurisdictions for effective flood and water management.
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reducing administrative overlap and duplication for municipalities and conservation authorities.
- balancing expertise and capacity across conservation authorities to improve service and program delivery.
- ensuring uninterrupted delivery of local conservation authority programs.
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The Province also made two major energy announcements.
It is investing $1 billion in building small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington Nuclear Station, part of a larger $3 billion joint federal-provincial initiative to secure clean energy and drive economic growth. Once construction of the four SMRs is complete, they will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes.
Construction on the first SMR began in May 2025, with the SMR expected to come online in 2030.
It also launched a feasibility study to examine building a new East-West pipeline and energy corridor that would carry Western Canadian oil and gas to Ontario ports, aiming to enhance national energy security, reduce reliance on U.S. imports, and support economic development through infrastructure upgrades and new jobs. The corridor study will also explore complementary regional opportunities such as mineral export and grid improvements, with results expected next year.
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On 4 November the federal Government released its budget titled Budget 2025: Canada Strong to "transform our economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner, to one that is stronger, more self-sufficient, and more resilient to global shocks." The plan aims to spend less but invest more to build on Canada’s world-class industries, skilled and talented workers, diverse trade partnerships, and a strong domestic market.
Budget 2025 shifts from operational to capital spending in an effort to stimulate the economy. It includes a large infrastructure investments through the Build Communities Strong Fund ($51B) that includes a community stream ($27.8 billion) for local roads, bridges, water systems, and community centres –in addition to the provincial and direct delivery streams. |
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FCM stated "Budget 2025 recognizes the importance of local infrastructure in meeting Canada’s housing, trade diversification and economic goals. But without a sustained, long-term plan at scale, the federal government’s ambition won’t match the scale or urgency of the challenge." Budget 2025 recognizes local infrastructure as critical to Canada’s economy, long-term plan at scale still needed
RBC’s assessment indicates that there is "big new spending and deficits that would be even larger without review savings. Buffers are slim against the two fiscal anchors of a balanced operating budget by 2028-29, and a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio. The debt burden goes up, and then sideways until at least the mid-2030s. But if new capital-focused spending successfully crowds in the hoped for $500 billion in private investment, the growth dividends could lead to a different outcome of plentiful buffers, and a declining debt ratio. Thus, focus must turn to implementation, and hope for a stable external environment."
TD Bank's analysis indicates this is a "hard-nosed budget aimed at incenting private investment and defense with big spending and deficit to back it up. This budget aims to do something no previous government has been able to – re-orient the Canadian economy from north-south to east-west and across oceans. But its success hinges on “build it and they will come”.
Big infrastructure spending and tax incentives to invest do change the calculus for some firms to invest, pursue or expand on non-US trading relationships or focus on expanding domestically. But given ongoing trade and economic uncertainty, this budget alone may not be enough to get firms immediately off the sidelines. |
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Step into the next level of municipal executive leadership. The CAO Leadership Program equips emerging and new Chief Administrative Officers with the strategic mindset, trusted tools, and peer support needed to lead with clarity and impact. Designed by experienced municipal executives, this program helps you deepen your leadership capacity, navigate complex governance environments, and build the confidence to excel at the top of your organization. One of the things that makes this program extraordinary is the world-class faculty provided by Schulich are complimented by an experienced CAO on each of the five days. We are pleased to announce the 2026 line-up:
#1 Transformational Leadership, JP Gedeon and Daniel Kostopoulos, CAO, Township of King #2 Solving Complex Problems, Stephen Friedman and Sonya Pritchard, CAO, County of Dufferin
#3 Digital Futures, Zac Spicer, Morgan Calvert, CAO, Township of Adelaide Metcalfe #4 Culture Shaping Leadership, Rob Adams, Valerie Critchley, CAO, Town of Amherstburg #5 Political Acuity, Peter Constantinou, Matt Gaskell, CAO, Town of Whitby Seats are filling quickly—60% sold already. Secure your spot today and accelerate your path to effective municipal leadership. |
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CAO Research Report Now Available |
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Thomas Thayer's major MPA Research Project, To Know Where You’re Going, You Must Know Where You Are:
A Study of CAO Education and Career Trajectories in Ontario explores the CAO function with the primary question being: “what education credentials and career traits are currently held by those individuals currently comprising the CAO function in municipalities in Ontario.”
This study also explores deeper personal traits, including career opportunities and challenges faced by incumbents in the role as well as issues such as political affiliation and which factors most benefitted one's career as seen here in Table 10. An excellent contribution to the existing knowledge base, this paper establishes a detailed picture of the current Ontario municipal CAO.
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Us dogs are very instinctual creatures. My nose, or gut instinct if you will, tells me which dogs are good and which I should avoid. It also often leads me in certain directions. I don’t overthink it; I roll with it. Science now backs this up and might be helpful to you people when you face one of your biggest decisions: the new job offer.
When standing before a job offer, most folks reach for logic like armor: compensation charts, commute times, health benefits. But you’re probably better off asking does this place fit me?
Intuition is often dismissed as irrational. But as Carl Jung once observed, “Intuition does not denote something contrary to reason, but something outside of the province of reason.” It’s the mind’s way of knitting together unspoken observations or the story hidden between the job description lines.
The philosopher William James described this sensation as “a sense of the push of the world on the mind” It’s what happens when understanding outruns language. And while reason catches up eventually, by then the gut has often already drafted its conclusion.
Trusting that instinct is not blind faith but is participation in a dialogue between logic and lived experience. Harvard Happiness Expert Arthur Brooks says “Three specific feelings should command your attention as you evaluate your opportunities, because these emotions can strongly predict your future work satisfaction: excitement, fear, and deadness. A reliable way to raise the odds of a good choice is to look for a lot of excitement, a little fear of danger, and as close to zero deadness as possible.”
So when the next job offer lands on your desk pause long enough to listen to your gut. Data matters, but so does resonance. If you learn to hear it, you’ll find your gut is often telling you the truth long before you’re ready to admit it. |
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Director of Financial Services / Treasurer |
Oxford County (Woodstock, ON) |
Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.”
Oxford County Council is made up of the mayors of each of the area municipalities plus an additional two councillors elected to the City of Woodstock as city/county councillors.
Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails.
The ideal candidate will be a progressive, strategic, and collaborative leader, with a demonstrated record of achieving results and leading people. As a member of the County’s senior leadership team, you will also be responsible for strategic organizational leadership, continuous improvement and broadly supporting all County programs and services.
See attached Job Profile for more specific details about the role.
What we offer Flexible Work Arrangements, including hybrid work Comprehensive health and dental benefits plan effective immediately OMERS defined benefit pension plan effective immediately Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave policies Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities
2025 Salary Range: $163,199.40 to $204,003.80 annually
Closes: 21 November 2025.
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Director of Finance / Treasurer |
Municipality of Thames Centre (Dorchester, ON) |
Thames Centre, nestled in the heart of southwestern Ontario, is a vibrant community on the eastern edge of Middlesex County and the City of London. Our unique mix of urban and rural living fosters strong community connections, top-notch services, and responsible leadership. Residents enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, open spaces, and access to state-of-the-art recreation facilities, and outstanding local amenities. Thames Centre has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Southwestern Ontario.
Job Description
The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer shall be responsible and accountable to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the general management of the administration and affairs of the Finance Department and Asset Management. The Director acts as the municipal officer in charge of technical and administrative policy for the Finance Department, including accounting and taxation. The Director serves as the Treasurer for the Municipality and is requested to adhere to the statutory requirements of the Municipal Act. Responsibilities: Supervise the non-union departmental staff responsible for accounting, taxation services, and Asset Management. Act as the Municipal Treasurer, as delegated and appointed by the Council Support the strategic directions and policies of the Municipality and ensure uniformity in creating and implementing municipal-wide policies and procedures through participation and involvement in the Senior Management Team (SMT). Assume individual and collective responsibility for corporate-wide initiatives and cross-departmental projects, as assigned Leads and directs the strategic, general and financial management and day-to-day administration of the Finance Department Prepares reports/recommendations and attends Council, Council/Committee, community stakeholder and other public meetings as required; makes presentations and provides advice/guidance on financial and funding matters, procurement and strategies, emerging trends and significant new/pending legislation and regulatory guidelines affecting the Municipality as it relates to the portfolio.
Develops and recommends fiscal strategy, including providing strategic advice to Council and staff on budget and funding alternatives, financial planning, potential revenue opportunities, leading the development and update of user fee and development charges by-laws, funds investment, recommendation and institution of reserve and reserve fund accounts, etc. Coordinate the Municipality’s Asset Management Program and is responsible for developing related accounting policies and procedures and providing functional support to the CAO and members of the Senior Management Team Directs and oversees the preparation of corporate operating and capital budgets and forecasts and overall budget presentation to Council; implements appropriate performance measures/metrics and monitors administration of approved budgets, including authorization of expenditures and accounts. Coordinates and oversees the preparation of year-end financial statements and reporting requirements to the Province and community Performs the statutory duties of Treasurer under the Municipal Act, including assuring the integrity of financial practices and associated reporting/banking/investment and reserves/funds administration Oversees the property taxation, utility billing, payroll, accounting, and asset management functions, ensuring all legislative, regulatory and reporting requirements are met, that appropriate cross-functional and backup contingencies are in place, and that taxpayers, customers, vendors and staff are dealt with in a well-informed and customer-first service manner.
What Thames Centre has to offer
A competitive salary ranging between $136,390 to $153,509 for 2025 with a 35-hour work week. Flex-time opportunities. Vacation-time entitlement recognizing previous years of service. Comprehensive benefits package, along with eligibility to enroll in OMERS pension plan. A supportive and collaborative work environment
Closes: 1 December 2025 |
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Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer |
The Township of King prides itself on its natural heritage and scenic beauty, its agricultural lands, its rich local and rural history and its rural traditions of farming, mills and a vibrant quality of life. King is located just 40 km north of downtown Toronto, and covers an area of 339 square kilometers. The Township boasts some of Ontario's most beautiful and rolling country sides and natural areas. Over 98% of King Township is within Ontario’s Greenbelt, of which 65% is contained within the Oak Ridges Moraine. King Township is one of nine local municipalities that make up the Regional Municipality of York. It encompasses the villages and hamlets of Ansnorveldt, Kettleby, King City, Laskay, Lloydtown, Nobleton, Pottageville, Schomberg and
Snowball. The Township has experienced rapid growth in recent years with a current population of 29,800 people, projected to grow to 51,000 people and 17,700 jobs by 2031. An important asset of King Township is its strong rural economy, equestrian and agricultural sectors, which benefit from Holland Marsh's deep fertile soils and rich growing season. About 60% of the Holland Marsh, also known as 'Ontario's Vegetable Basket' is located in King
Reporting to the CAO, the Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer is a visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing the Township’s financial strategy. This dynamic role oversees the corporate functions of Finance, Tax, Purchasing,
Insurance/Risk, and is responsible for carrying out the statutory duties of Treasurer as set out in the Municipal Act. With a focus on innovation, accountability, and strategic oversight, this position leads key financial functions including annual budgets, external audits, financial analysis, corporate asset management, capital planning and revenue collection. The Chief
Financial Officer / Treasurer is central to developing and maintaining robust financial policies, covering cash management, reserves and reserve funds, and investment strategies, ensuring compliance with legislation and alignment with Council priorities. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer drives data-informed decision-making, fosters inter-departmental collaboration, and champions operational excellence to support the Township’s mission, vision, values, and long-term sustainability.
The Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer is responsible for the following Strategic Financial Leadership, Financial Operations & Oversight, Asset Management Integration, Technology & Data-Driven Decision Making, Collaboration & Communication, Leadership & Human Resources Management, plus Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Salary Range: $171.808.00 - $208,990.60 (2025 Rate) Closes: 17 November 2025 |
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Middlesex Centre (Ilderton, ON) |
The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is a thriving, progressive, and welcoming community. Located just west of the City of London, Middlesex Centre’s rural charm and vibrant small towns make it a great place to live, work, and play.
What makes us special? Our team! We are supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. We take pride in delivering the highest standard of municipal services to our community. We embrace our values of respect, cooperation, innovation, and integrity. If you are a team player who is passionate about your work and are always looking for ways to improve and grow, then we want to hear from you. We can offer you: Competitive compensation. Participation in OMERS, one of the best defined-benefit pension plans in Canada. Comprehensive health and dental benefits with a health care spending account. An employee and family assistance program. A culture that supports ongoing training and professional development. Position Summary Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for providing vision and leadership to the Municipality through planning, organizing, and directing the operation of all municipal services in accordance with legislation, by-laws and policies established by Council; the CAO serves as the organization’s representative to the community and community organizations, media, other levels of government, and professional associations.
Compensation for this position is currently $194,044.50 to $230,997.00 per year. |
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General Manager of Corporate Services / Legal |
The Township of Ramara is a rural gem nestled in Central Ontario just 90 minutes from the GTA. Positioned on the breathtaking northeastern shores of Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, Ramara is the gateway to natural beauty with access to two provincial parks, pristine beaches, and scenic trails.
Ramara is home to just over 10,000 full-time residents, a number that swells in the summer months with seasonal residents and visitors. Whether it is the rural, small-town lifestyle, the friendly people, the beautiful scenery or infinite outdoor adventures, there are many reasons people from near and far choose Ramara as their home.
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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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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When it comes to climate action, it’s better to work together. Research shows that local governments that form partnerships with their broader community make better progress toward their climate targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership (N-ZAP) has created this Community Partnerships for Equitable Local Climate Action guide to provide Canadian municipalities with best practices for structuring partnerships. These evidence-based recommendations are based on data collected from 12 partnerships comprising 55 total partners across Canada. The guide provides recommendations on how to design (or improve) partnerships for effective community-wide climate action plus stories of real-life examples from participating Canadian partnerships.
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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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