AMO Watchfile - February 1, 2024

In This Issue
- Municipal Employee Survey results.
- Webinars for New Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund.
- Electrification and Energy Transition Panel Report.
- Energy project siting webinar February 9.
- Rural Economic Development Program Intake open.
- Consultation: Rural Economic Development Strategy.
- Survey: Help advance Ontario’s modular housing sector.
- Applications open: Rural Transit Solutions Fund.
- Register for February Councillor Training.
- Municipal Codes of Conduct: February workshop.
- Anti-Semitism and Anti-Islamophobia: Winter workshops.
- Navigating Conflict - Pre-requisite for NEW advanced strategies course.
- New AMO workshops for municipal councillors - Spring dates.
- LAS supports for Municipal Energy Reporting.
- Calls to action for municipalities on economic abuse.
- Housing access in higher education host communities survey.
- Climate change resources for residents.
- Helpful condo living tips for Ontario residents.
- Future of Aging Summit in May 2024.
- Careers: Clarington, York, and Ottawa.

AMO Matters
As part of AMO’s Workforce Development Project, over 2400 municipal employees responded to our survey about their experience working in the sector. Click here for an overview of the results.

Provincial Matters
Join free webinars to get Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund details. Register for the February 7 application session, which includes a Q & A portion.

Ontario’s electrification and energy transition panel has released its final report outlining recommendations for long-term energy planning.

On February 9, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), will present information related to energy project siting.

The province announced at the 2024 ROMA Conference that they are opening a new intake for the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. Intake is open until February 21.

The province is conducting a survey to inform the creation of a Rural Economic Development Strategy. Share your ideas on how the province can support rural communities plan for economic success.

The province is conducting a survey to shape the development of a modular housing strategy. Share your insights on barriers and opportunities for modular and innovative home construction by Feb 4, 2024.

Federal Matters
Infrastructure Canada is now accepting applications for the Planning and Design Projects Stream of the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (up to $50,000). Visit their website for more information.

Education Opportunities
The Councillor Training interactive workshop delves into the key areas of your responsibility as an elected official in a forum where you can ask questions that you can’t always raise locally. Register for the February 14 Councillor Training workshop today.

As AMO and municipalities await provincial direction, your Association has developed a course that helps and guides municipal leaders in the development, communication, adherence, and issues management of codes of conducts. Register for the February 28 Code of Conduct workshop today.

Build your understanding on the historical and contemporary roots of anti-semitism and anti-islamophobia, how to address these and how to build relationships and allyships. Register for the February 22 anti-semitism workshop and March 6 anti-islamophobia workshop today.

Navigating Conflict Relationships for Elected Officials is one of AMO’s most popular training offerings. This course helps you understand and navigate why relationships are or become challenging. Join your colleagues at the March workshop to gain skills in building collaborative relationships and negotiating difficult ones in your role as an elected municipal official. Attendees are invited to register for the April Advanced Strategies workshop.

Don’t miss out on spring workshops, space is limited: Cyber Security, Advanced Councillor Training, Managing Communications through Crisis, Indigenous Community Awareness, Foundations in Planning, Advanced Land Use Planning and Competing Rights.

LAS
Act NOW! The July 1, 2024 Energy Reporting deadline is going to be a big one, requiring 2 years of consumption data and a new 5-year Conservation Plan. LAS is here to help with an updated EPT software and consulting service for reporting, and energy training & lighting upgrade services to help you meet your goals. Contact us to get the help you need.

Municipal Wire*
The Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) released calls to action for municipalities to address economic abuse in gender-based violence strategies. For more information contact Michaela Mayer.

The International Town and Gown Association and Town and Gown Association of Ontario launched a survey seeking input from municipal leaders on Canada's student housing crisis. Participate by March 5.

The Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation has released resources for municipalities on basement flooding, extreme heat and wildfire protection to be shared through municipal websites and tax notices.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s 2024 Winter Information Kit offers useful and shareable tips to help Ontario condo residents navigate the ins and out of condo living this season.

The Future of Aging Summit in Toronto from May 15-17, 2024 will bring together policymakers and others focused on building age-friendly societies. See the speaker lineup and register at agingsummit.ca.

Careers
Associate Solicitor – Municipality of Clarington. Closing Date: February 26, 2024.

Director, Homelessness Community Programs – Regional Municipality of York. Closing Date: February 14, 2024.

City Solicitor – City of Ottawa. FR. Closing Date: February 23, 2024.