The Province has introduced he legislation to help implement a Buy Ontario policy that prioritizes first Ontario and then Canadian goods and services, while still maintaining value for money for Ontario taxpayers and protecting procurement and major infrastructure projects from undue delays. Applicable to all public sector organizations including municipalities, Bill 72, Buy Ontario Act allows the Provincial Government to:
- Mandate the prioritization of first Ontario and then Canadian goods and services for all public sector organizations, including ministries, agencies, the broader public sector and municipalities.
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Set out specific requirements for how these public sector organizations are to prioritize first Ontario and then Canadian goods and services in contracts with vendors, including subcontractors.
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Review and ensure compliance from both public sector organizations and vendors with this policy, with penalties and consequences that could include holdbacks, fines, vendor performance management and vendor barring from future procurement.
According to AMO’s survey of municipal procurement, municipalities spend over $22 billion annually on goods and services, and 98% of its non-construction procurement is already from Canadian vendors.
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The Province is now seeking input to help inform the 2026 Ontario Budget. An online portal allows for the submission of ideas by:
- Attending an in-person consultation meeting held across the province
- Sending a written submission by mail or online
- Completing an online survey
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Ontario's Ministry of Red Tape Reduction is focused on modernizing legislation, regulations, and policies that can be burdensome, inefficient, and inflexible. As such, it regularly measures and reports on how it has made it easier for businesses and individuals to work with government. The 2025 Burden Reduction Report shows how the regulatory burden has been reduced by nearly six per cent, saving people and businesses $1.2 billion and 1.8 million hours annually through a focused effort to modernize how government works. The focus is not so much on deregulation and it is on streamlining processes, eliminating outdated requirements, and using AI for more modern, efficient regulation.
Impacts on municipalities include changes to Ontario Works, planning changes, IO loans, and more. |
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The Province has introduced the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025 to transfer approximately 1,673 hectares of land located in the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater to the City of Barrie. The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF) will facilitate discussions among the municipalities on the best way to implement the legislation, including financial compensation from the City of Barrie. The OPLDF has been working "with the City of Barrie, the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater, and the County of Simcoe since May 2024 to facilitate an agreement without achieving a successful resolution. After 18 months of negotiations, and at the recommendation of the OPLDF who facilitated discussions with all municipalities, the government has opted to introduce legislation — which includes minister’s regulation-making authority to allow ward boundaries to be adjusted well in advance of the 2026 municipal election — rather than further delaying decisions that are necessary for Simcoe County’s continued growth. The boundary adjustment would come into effect on January 1, 2026, or Royal Assent, whichever is later."
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The Province is seeking feedback on proposed boundaries and criteria for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s 36 CAs.
Visit the following interactive map of the seven proposed regional conservation authority boundaries.
Comments may be submitted through this posting or by email to ca.office@ontario.ca
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The province is expanding support for large-scale energy efficiency projects for municipal, industrial, institutional and health-care organizations. The Save on Energy XLerate Program will increase the per project incentive from $5 million to $15 million to support large, complex, industrial capital projects that deliver measurable energy savings using proven technologies to improve efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.
The province is aaccepting applications for next round of Sport Hosting Program to support sport tourism and local economies. Municipalities are eligible to apply. The deadline to submit for 2026/27 applications is until January 12, 2026.
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Chair's Note: Growth Can be Uncomfortable; Lean Into It | |
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Hello Fellow CAO Colleagues,
Starting a new role can be both exciting and unsettling. I recently stepped into the position of Chief Administrative Officer for Haldimand County after many years in a role where I felt confident and comfortable. The transition has been a mix of emotions - enthusiasm paired with a touch of nervousness.
Change often pushes us out of our comfort zone, and that’s where growth happens. If you’re navigating a similar experience, whether in your current role or stepping into a new one - remember that you’re not alone. OMAA has always been a supportive community. If you need a sounding board or just someone to connect with, don’t hesitate to reach out. That’s what this association is here for. With thanks,
Michael Di Lullo, Chair |
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AMO and OMAA are pleased to present the next conversation in our Mayor–CAO Relationship Series: Leadership’s Role in Fostering a Productive Workplace Culture. This free session turns the spotlight on how the Mayor–CAO partnership shapes municipal workplace culture and why strong, trust-based leadership has never mattered more.
Join us on 8 December 2pm for an engaging discussion with two experienced Mayor–CAO teams who have worked together to build healthy, high-performing municipal cultures rooted in trust and shared purpose. They’ll share insights, lessons learned, and practical strategies that other municipal leaders can apply in their own communities.
Featured Panelists: Mayor Bryan Paterson and CAO Lanie Hurdle, City of Kingston Mayor Hilda MacDonald and CAO Peter Neufeld, Municipality of Leamington Moderator: Alicia Neufeld, AMO Senior Manager, Policy |
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Mark Your calendars for these 2026 events:
April 17 Aspiring CAO Connections at the Walper Hotel in Kitchener, A full day session dedicated to those Aspiring CAOs thinking about the next steps on their journey to becoming a municipal CAO / City Manager. Only $25 members and $99 for non-members
March 25--5 May CAO Leadership Course. This five-day program offers sought-after leadership skills in areas like political acuity, digital transformation, and data analysis to thrive in your role or move up the career ladder.
May 20–22
Spring Workshop at the spectacular JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. You can now register and reserve your room.
Oct 7-9 Fall Workshop at the Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain |
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Retired or Planning to Retire Soon?
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Check out Moving On — Life and Career Options After Retirement. This candid, engaging session explores the diverse paths senior municipal leaders have taken after stepping away from full-time service. Don Shropshire, Bob Casselman, and Janice Baker reflect on the shift to and consideration for being a Board member, consultant, and fully retired.
Join our sister association, Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), for assistance with retirement planning, insurance, healthcare, and travel planning.
As a retired member, you remain a vital part of OMAA’s mission to support, advocate for, and connect CAOs throughout the different stages of their lives. We know that retirement can mean different things to different people so we aim to support whatever level of engagement you are interested in. Check out our retired member page for more info.
Explore strategies that can help you maintain the lifestyle you had while working. RBC Wealth Management's Five ways to pay less tax in retirement has some great advice. |
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Let me tell you, diversity is natural. Nature is the grand artist that creates and celebrates diversity through the intricate dance of ecosystems and species adapted to all corners of the earth. Cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s polarized climate is no easy task, yet it may be your most urgent moral and practical challenge.
Aristotle reminds us that “a democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects”. Living up to this principle requires moving beyond surface-level diversity toward genuine inclusion, where every person feels heard, respected, and valued.
Hannah Arendt observed that “the only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” In a polarized society, inclusion is an assertion of freedom expressed through the embrace of plurality rather than retreat from it.
John Stuart Mill underscored the necessity of diverse viewpoints when he argued that “originality is the one thing which unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of.” By fostering DEI, municipalities can unlock this originality, tapping into the insights and creativity that only a rich tapestry of perspectives can produce.
We are called not merely to tolerate difference but to celebrate the mosaic of identities and experiences among us. As Maya Angelou wrote, “In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” Through that strength, we can bind communities and move forward together. |
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The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Public Works Manager to lead the delivery of essential community services. From roads and water to waste management and transit, this role plays a key part in keeping Sioux Lookout running safely, smoothly, and sustainably. As a hands-on leader, you’ll guide a dedicated team, manage critical infrastructure, and help shape the long-term success of our Public Works operations. If you’re a motivated professional with strong technical expertise and a passion for public service, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
Oversee the daily operations of roads, water distribution, wastewater collection, waste management, and transit services. Lead and mentor a skilled team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration. Manage operating and capital budgets and ensure responsible use of municipal resources. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental legislation and standards. Coordinate maintenance programs, inspections, and effective use of equipment and materials. Collaborate with the Fleet Management Specialist on heavy equipment utilization. Lead emergency response activities related to municipal infrastructure. Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and service improvement. Prepare reports and provide updates to the CAO and Council. Build strong working relationships with residents, contractors, and external agencies.
Closes: 11 December 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.
The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer shall be responsible and accountable to the 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. 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.
Thames Centre offers 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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Elect Respect is a pledge to foster respect, inclusivity, and safety in public life. It is a commitment to uphold the core values of democratic service, including the right to work free from threats, abuse, or intimidation. You can take the pledge and pass a resolution at Council |
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LunaPic is a completely free online photo editing site. No signup, login or install needed. Contains a wide range of editing tools, filters, borders, plus animation tools. |
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