| The IESO has introduced the Major Projects Identification Committees (MPIC) process. This voluntary process captures early-stage project and site information, improving visibility into where new demand may emerge, informing electricity system plans and forecasts, and helping developers prepare for a formal grid connection application.
By connecting insights from economic growth opportunities, land use planning, and electricity system needs, the MPIC process helps ensure that all relevant parties are involved in the planning process at the earliest stages and that their feedback is captured in a collaborative manner. |
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The June Board meeting was held in Huntsville. Thank you to Civic Ontario President Denise Corry for hosting us and for guiding us on a tour of the beautiful waterfront. Here are a few highlights from the board meeting: - Spring workshop was well received and revenue positive.
- The Province is working on regulations under Bill 9, consultations expected soon.
- A research project into governance terminology was approved.
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2026-2027 strategic plan workplan. More opportunities for member feedback to be developed.
- Mentorship program to be revitalized for 2027
- DCAO Implementation Guide and 2027 CAO Leadership Program near finalization.
The next Board meeting is on 10 September 2026 in Kingston. |
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The Event Planning Committee has been hard at work crafting a fresh, practical program for our upcoming conference, and we’re now looking for member speakers to help bring these ideas to life. We’ve identified two sessions that will benefit from real‑world perspectives and stories from the field: -
When projects go sideways, the real test of leadership begins. This session dives into what happens when things go wrong—and how to respond with transparency, composure, and strategic thinking.
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Practical AI projects designed by and for municipalities, Highlighting what’s already working on the ground. Concrete examples of how municipal leaders are using AI to improve service delivery, streamline internal workflows, enhance citizen engagement, and support better decision‑making.
Please hit the button below if you are interested in participating or can recommend someone. |
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Registration is now open for the Executive Exchange (Fall Workshop) taking place at the Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain from 7-9 October. Highlights: -
Wed night The Motivation Equation keynote by Leadership and Engagement Expert Jennifer Barroll
- Influence the site selection process for Canada’s second deep geological repository for radioactive waste.
- Two Rapid Fire Sessions, plenaries on the big issues, networking events, and more.
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(optional) Thursday Evening Blue Mountain Village Restaurant Hop.
You can book your room directly with the hotel via: Reservation-Link |
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Civic Ontario strengthens the leadership responsible for how Ontario works. Through peer connection and shared perspective, it builds the capacity of those operating at the centre of civic systems.
Strong institutions depend on leadership that is not only capable — but connected. Investing in civic leadership strengthens not only individual organizations, but the systems and communities they shape. Civic leadership matters. The decisions made within these institutions do not stay contained. They move across systems and shape everyday life across Ontario.
Stay tuned for our new website and social channels to launch in August. |
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Thanks to support from our partners AMO and ROMA, the Maureen McCauley Bursary now offers three $5,000 bursaries annually to support the education of future municipal government leaders.
The opportunity for this Bursary is available to any student residing in Ontario who in enrolled in a post secondary program that has the potential to lead to a municipal government career.
Applicants must submit the application form before end of day 24 September 2026. The Awards Committee will select three winners and their videos will be aired during the Awards Dinner at our Executive Exchange event on 7 October 2026. |
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The Township of Billings is formed from Billings Township and the Eastern half of adjacent Allan Township, and occupies the north central portion of Manitoulin Island. It contains part of Lake Kagawong, Lake Manitou, Otter Lake and Lake Mindemoya, and its northern boundary is Lake Huron.
The extensive lake frontage explains the residence distribution, and the large portion of seasonal residences. The Kagawong River drains Lake Kagawong, flows over Bridal Veil Falls, and reaches Lake Huron in the Hamlet of Kagawong. The Harbour at Kagawong is directly south of the Benjamin Islands cruising grounds on the North Channel, and between the harbour towns of Little Current to the east, and Gore Bay to the west. The M’Chigeeng First Nation reserve is within the boundaries of Billings, with Mindemoya directly to the south.
The economy of Billings is driven more by tourism and service industries than by agriculture or logging as in the past. Thousands of tourists annually visit the township and take in the natural beauty of the area as well as visiting one of Manitoulin’s premier sites, Bridal Veil Falls.
To live in the Township, is a truly captivating experience. We are a rural community that values genuine human connection. Tourists, farmers, artists, small business entrepreneurs, professionals, retirees, and all-around nature lovers call the Township of Billings home. We come from all walks of life and no matter our differences or lived experiences, our strength lies in the shared connections we establish with each other, knowing that we don’t need to go far to find good folks ready to lend a helping hand. With a combined operational and capital budget of $7M and a highly dedicated team of over 20 employees, Billings is committed to meeting needs of the residents and business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
Inspire our Future
As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments for a public or private sector organization. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with an engaged council, diverse stakeholders, foster the development of partnerships, and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence. Lastly, you will have an exceptional understanding of forward-thinking strategies as it relates to managing effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion and possess the ability to guide our organization into the future while preserving the beauty of our community and the lifestyle we enjoy.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the municipality’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 to and support our strategic priorities. In addition, the CAO will be responsible for the statutory duties of the Clerk. You will recommend policies, plans, and programs that benefit our residents by being innovative, accountable and fiscally sound. You will work to enhance the meaningful development of our community that is consistent with our vision and values while ensuring the effective utilization of resources through the priorities as identified by Council.
Leading a small, talented team, this hands-on leadership role, guides and inspires a dedicated workforce while fostering a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovation and teamwork.
Benefits of working for the Township of Billings
If you enjoy nature and rural living and wish to live in the north- this is a unique opportunity to experience nature and rural living at is best. Benefits include: Affordable housing – house prices range from 400k to 500K. This includes an opportunity for waterfront ownership. At this price point many can live mortgage free if moving from an urban area. Healthcare - Two excellent hospitals located close to the community where you live. Education - An exceptional educational system at both the elementary and secondary levels. Outdoor Lifestyle - Access to a range of outdoor activities. If you like exploring, gardening, boating, fishing, hiking, golf, x-country skiing, snowmobiling, this is the place to be. Location – we located in a beautiful island setting in the heart of Manitoulin Island, Sudbury is a short two -hour scenic drive away. Quality of Life - If you like a slower pace, fresh air, and attainable housing then Township of Billings is the place to be for an unmatched quality of life.
Compensation – $110,000 to $130,000 plus pension, benefits, vacation, professional development, and an opportunity to work with an engaged Council in a beautiful community. Closes: 24 July 2026 or sooner |
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The Policy Challenge of Selection Bias What the public thinks about how your government is doing may not be what it seems. Surveys and other methods of gauging opinion have a lot of limitations. |
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Local Leadership Foundations, the new council education program from AMO and public sector education group Institute on Governance, recently opened to municipalities for registration.
The program is focused on orienting elected officials to their roles and developing well-informed local leaders, leveraging AMO’s province-wide perspective and featuring voices and insights from across the municipal sector. Shaped through engagement with the sector, it’s structured as a mix of online content and engaging workshops on key themes, including: Governing in Practice: Orientation to the councillor role and habits that set up a strong term. Making Decisions: Navigating the decision-making process and contributing to positive outcomes. Finance & Budgeting: Plain-language grounding in finance and trade-offs behind big decisions. Civility & Integrity: From ethics to relationships, building healthy dynamics with colleagues and staff. Engaging Community: What engagement looks like today; the public dimensions of the role. Plus a dedicated module for heads of council.
AMO has taken care to offer many options and affordability measures (some time-limited) to enable municipalities to take advantage of this program at the time that makes sense for their specific councils, councillors, and onboarding plans. Learn more on the AMO website and/or reach out to education@amo.on.ca
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