the Observer

9 July 2026

Provincial Matters

The Province is currently soliciting applications (until 13 July 2026) for the eight regional chairs it intends to appoint under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026,:

  • The Regional Municipality of Durham
  • The Regional Municipality of Halton
  • The District of Muskoka
  • The Regional Municipality of Niagara
  • The Regional Municipality of Peel
  • The County of Simcoe
  • The Regional Municipality of York
  • The Regional Municipality of Waterloo

 

Learn more on its Regional Head of Council page

Civic Ontario Events 

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.
  • 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.  

I may be a potential speaker
 

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
  • Two Rapid Fire Sessions, plenaries on the big issues, networking events, and more. 
  • (optional) Thursday Evening Blue Mountain Village Restaurant Hop.

More details in the draft program at a glance.

 

You can book your room directly with the hotel via: Reservation-Link

Register Here

Rebrand Update 

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.

Member News

Andrew Wilken named the new CAO of the Town of Hanover.

 

Civic Ontario Board Member and Hamilton City Manager Marnie Cluckie leaving for Halifax Regional Municipality 

 

Ontario pushed ahead with strong mayor powers expansion despite 'predominantly negative' feedback

 

Cliff Eggleton named new General Manager of Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) and Paramedic Chief. 

 

Jakarto and Guelph creating 3D digital map of street trees to help grow urban canopy 

 

Clarington CAO Mary Ann Dempster ‘upset and frustrated’ by mean comments

Job Board

CAO / Clerk

Billings, Ontario

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 

More Info

Picks

Data centre politics have come to Ontario. Is Doug Ford ready?

Opposition to AI infrastructure is crystallizing into a political force — the likes of which this province has seen before

 

 

Ontarians are more supportive of building new solar, wind and hydro power infrastructure than they are new nuclear and gas plants, according to a 2024 public opinion study commissioned by the Ford government that was published last month.

 

The September 2024 Ipsos study found that between 84 and 86 per cent of those surveyed support building new renewable and hydro power sites in Ontario, compared to 63 per cent that back construction of new nuclear stations.  Support for upgrading or repairing existing nuclear plants, on the other hand, rated almost as high as support for new solar, wind and hydro at 81 per cent, according to the Ipsos study.

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