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The Ontario government is investing $45 million to support repairs for municipal roads and bridges that connect people to jobs, support the movement of goods and stimulate economic growth. This year, 20 municipalities will receive funding toward 21 projects to repair roads and bridges through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program. |
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The Ontario Government is modernizing the province’s digital government and privacy framework by introducing enhanced cyber security rules for the broader public service as well as updated Freedom of Information (FOI) timelines and processes. |
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Board Applications Closes Tomorrow |
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Our Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in advancing OMAA’s mission to empower Ontario’s municipal leaders through connection, professional growth, and advocacy. Directors help shape programs that strengthen leadership capacity, build skills, and create meaningful impact across the municipal community.
We are currently accepting nominations for Two (2) Directors for a two-year term commencing May 2026
You must be a CAO and a member to be eligible. The deadline for applications is tomorrow 27 March 2026.
Job descriptions are available here. |
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| I’d like to take a moment to reflect on board roles.
Around this time of year, many different opportunities tend to arise - whether within the municipal sector or through other community and non-profit organizations. These opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge and expertise in ways that further support the organizations to which you put your name forward.
I want to thank those who have stepped up to serve on the OMAA Board. Our strength and reputation as an association come directly from your willingness to contribute. OMAA is built on your interest, dedication, and participation. As new opportunities arise, I encourage you to consider getting involved—especially as we move forward with an ambitious plan for the association.
Nominations are also underway for CAMA, with six candidates seeking the Ontario representative role. I encourage our voting members to consider candidates who have been active within OMAA and have demonstrated their commitment over the years. It is important that our representative at CAMA prioritizes OMAA’s interests when working alongside other municipal associations across the country. This has been a guiding principle for me when attending CAMA as OMAA Chair, and I believe our next representative should continue to bring those values and foresight to the table.
Take care,
Michael |
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| Celebrate Your Milestone!
We proudly honour members who’ve dedicated years of leadership as CAOs through our Long Service Recognition Awards handed out at each Spring Workshop. Milestones are celebrated at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service — and every year counts, no matter where your journey has taken you. Recognized recipients are celebrated at one of our annual banquets during their anniversary year. If you’ve reached a milestone, click to submit your short nomination form and join us in celebrating your impact and commitment to municipal excellence!
Deadline for submissions is 17 April 2026.
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| Momentum: Leading Change With Confidence — that’s the theme of this year’s Spring Workshop, and it couldn’t be more timely for CAOs and senior municipal leaders.
Join friends and colleagues for a dynamic program featuring rapid-fire sessions, cybersecurity and AI readiness, municipal law and policy updates, strong mayor powers, and candid conversations on influence and succession planning.
Round out your experience with the Awards Dinner with Steve Patterson, exhibit hall clue ballot, and a sunset Muskoka Steamship cruise. Check out the complete program for all the details. Can’t attend the full event? Sign up for our Thursday-only program and still enjoy a day packed with insights, networking, and inspiration. |
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Strategic Plan Objective #2 |
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The 2026-30 Strategic Plan Rising Together, Leading Forward has six major objectives with several actions related to each. This section will introduce one objective each week for the next six weeks in advance of the Spring Workshop roundtable session |
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| Objective #2: Diversify and Expand Membership.
Broaden and evolve membership to reflect the full landscape of Ontario’s public-sector executive community, welcoming new perspectives while preserving the trust and candour that define OMAA’s legacy. Explore and evaluate new membership categories beyond the traditional CAO base Explore and evaluate expanded membership pathways that include senior leaders across the broader public sector. These categories will honour the Association’s legacy while ensuring it remains inclusive of the roles shaping Ontario’s civic and administrative life.
Launch outreach initiatives to attract members from underrepresented regions and demographics, including ABC’s and the larger MUSH sector
Undertake targeted outreach to diversify its membership across geography, identity, role type, and areas of public-sector administration. This effort reflects the Association’s belief that diversity is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage.
Establish mentorship and integration programs for new members
Implement structured mentorship and onboarding processes to help new members experience the Association’s culture of trust from the beginning. These programs will ensure that growth enhances, rather than dilutes, the community’s character. |
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Township of South Glengarry |
This recruitment follows the announcement that our current CAO will be moving on to a new role as the CAO with the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer will be a proven leader with a demonstrated ability to embrace change and guide the municipality, as directed by Council. The CAO’s primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day administration of the Township of South Glengarry, through its senior management team. The CAO 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 South Glengarry is a vibrant and growing community that is seeking a CAO who can work with Council to further position the municipality for a successful future.
Key responsibilities include: • Providing leadership and direction to the Township’s administration and senior management team
• Supporting Council in the development and implementation of policies, priorities, and strategic initiatives
• Ensuring Council decisions, programs, and services are implemented efficiently and effectively
• Coordinating the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets and monitoring financial performance
• Overseeing organizational structure, staffing, and performance management of senior staff
• Ensuring compliance with municipal legislation, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Acting as the liaison between Council and Administration to ensure clear communication and accountability
• Working with government partners, community organizations, and the public on municipal initiatives and services T The salary range for the position is $139,544 - $169,834.
Closes: 6 April 2026 |
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Commissioner, Community Services |
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Peterborough is a dynamic, growing community that offers an exceptional quality of life, a strong sense of connection, and access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. Situated along the Otonabee River and the Trent–Severn Waterway and surrounded by the lakes and trails of the Kawarthas, Peterborough provides an outstanding environment for work-life balance. The city is home to Trent University and Fleming College, supporting a skilled, innovative workforce, and boasts a diverse economy with strengths in advanced manufacturing, cleantech, education, healthcare, and public service. With a vibrant downtown, rich arts and culture scene, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth, Peterborough is an attractive place to live, work, and lead.
The City of Peterborough’s Community Services Department plays a central role in enhancing quality of life and community well-being through a wide range of resident-focused programs and services. The department is made up of Social Services, Peterborough Public Library, Fire Services, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services, and Community Development, supporting residents across all stages of life. Together, these services strengthen community safety, inclusion, cultural vitality, and access to essential supports that help Peterborough remain a welcoming and connected city
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Community Services is a key member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing Council’s strategic priorities. This role requires an innovative, collaborative leader committed to strengthening community well-being and delivering high-quality, resident-focused services.
Salary Range: $241,316 to $263,779 Closes: 30 March 2026
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Dufferin County is a growing community just 45 minutes north-west of Toronto. It is home to about 71,000 people and is expected to reach 95,000 by 2051. Covering 1,487 square kilometres Dufferin County combines picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, blending modern farm operations and food processing facilities with emerging sectors in manufacturing, construction and tourism.
Dufferin County encompasses the local municipalities of Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, Melancthon, Mulmur, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, and Grand Valley, and offers both opportunities and challenges as it navigates growth, urbanization and economic diversification.
It is an upper tier municipality that provides a range of services to residents including social services, social housing, childcare programs, long term care, paramedic services, economic development, planning, tourism, museum services, public works, forestry management and waste management services. With a combined 2026 operating and capital budget of $171 million, and 450 permanent, part-time and seasonal employees, the County is committed to meeting the needs of eight partner municipalities, its residents and the business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
Inspire our Future as our Chief Administrative Officer
The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in municipal government or related business environment. You have exceptional communication skills, political acumen, and the ability to foster partnerships with diverse interest-holders while engaging and motivating our employees and ensuring customer service excellence.
Reporting to the Warden and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the County’s administrative and operational services. As the key advisor to Council, you have the vision to develop and implement operational plans and ensure the coordination of services which align with and support our strategic priorities. You will recommend innovative and fiscally sound policies, plans, and programs that benefit county residents. You will work to manager growth and development in the county and ensure the effective utilization of resources while focusing on priorities established by Council.
Leading a talented team of employees, and working in a complex unionized environment, the ideal candidate will inspire a dedicated workforce, fostering a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovative thinking, teamwork, inclusion and diversity while positioning Dufferin County as an employer of choice.
At Dufferin County, you will have a chance to make an impact in your everyday work and build lasting relationships in the communities in which we live and serve. The County offers a competitive base salary ($254,600 - $297,843) plus benefits and a pension plan through OMERS.
Closes: 6 April 2026 or sooner |
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Eric Grenier's Weekly Writ 3/19: How much do you like (or not) your premier? provides analysis on Angus Reid's quarterly premiers’ approval ratings report, covering nine of Canada’s 10 provincial premiers. (Because of the small size of Prince Edward Island, the ARI does not have a panel that is large enough from which to adequately poll on a quarterly basis.) The report shows that Kinew is once again the most popular premier with a 61% approval rating, an increase of three points over the last quarter.
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| CAMA Launches Three New Leadership Resources to Support Stronger Governance Across Canada
The newly released resources include:
Drawing the Line: When CAOs Must Act to Address Incivility and Protect the Organization. This guide supports CAOs in recognizing when behaviour has moved beyond governance disagreement into harmful territory requiring intervention. It reinforces the CAO’s responsibility to protect staff, uphold governance standards, and take action when necessary.
Quiet Leadership Tool for CAOs: Using Storytelling and Visuals to Support Good Governance and Reduce Tension. This practical tool helps CAOs present information more clearly and effectively through storytelling, data, and visuals—supporting better decision-making and reducing tension at the Council table.
Transparency, Fair Process, and Fair Treatment Guide. This guide reinforces the importance of consistent, fair, and transparent administrative practices, helping CAOs support strong governance, reduce misunderstandings, and maintain trust with Council. |
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