AMO Watchfile - May 29, 2025

In This Issue:

- AMO releases Engaging Youth in Local Democracy report.
- AMO resources to support your classroom engagement.
- Ontario launches Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
- Connect Ontario: Broadband deployment municipal workshops.
- Health and Safety Water Stream fund.
- Nominations open for Medal of Distinction in Public Administration.
- AMO 2025 Conference - Register today for Ontario’s premier municipal event.
- MMAH has opened its Request for Delegations for AMO 2025 Conference.
- Showcase your innovation - Submit your projects for the PJ Marshall Awards.
- Upcoming AMO education workshops on leadership.
- Group Benefits trends webinar.
- Help homeowners save money through the LAS Sewer & Water Line Service.
- Virtual Net-Zero Workshop: Space still available.
- RFP: Workforce Training for Professionals in Planning.
- Western Ontario Municipal Conference - October 17.
- Webinar: Quality of Life in North American Cities.
- RailCan proximity survey live until June 1.
- Net-Zero Communities Accelerator Program coming to Ontario.
- Careers.

AMO Matters
Improving the health of local democracies requires a renewed focus on engaging young people in our communities. Through AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project and in partnership with Apathy is Boring, we’ve developed a new Engaging Youth in Local Democracy resource that will help you learn how to better engage youth in your communities with actionable strategies and tactics for elected officials, municipalities, and public sector organizations.

AMO's Municipal Rep Day program provides AMO's members with a set of resources they can use when visiting classrooms in their communities. Resources and guides for teachers and elected officials can support a productive and engaging visit with students and help ignite interest in local government with future voters and community leaders.

Provincial Matters
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is providing up to $40 million to support communities and local industries facing economic challenges arising from ongoing trade disruptions.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines strongly encourages municipal CAOs and permitting staff to join the Designated Broadband Projects workshop: May 29: Asset Management Planning & Causal Costs.

Intake is open for Ontario’s new Health and Safety Water Stream fund to help municipalities and First Nations build, repair and expand aging water infrastructure. Apply now!

Nominations are open for the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Distinction in Public Administration, Ontario’s highest honour for public service. Nominate a colleague from your municipality by June 27.

Education Opportunities
AMO’s 2025 Annual Conference is back in Ottawa. In this unprecedented time, coming together with municipal, provincial and key sector partners is more important than ever. Register for AMO 2025 and book your accommodations today.

Delegation meetings with Cabinet Ministers are a key feature of the AMO Conference experience. These meetings are a unique opportunity for your council to engage with Ministers, Parliamentary Assistants and senior Ontario Government officials on local matters that impact your municipality. Request your delegation meetings now. A reminder that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is your contact for the delegation meetings.

The Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award celebrates municipal governments in Ontario showcasing innovation in approaches to services, facilities, and infrastructure better for Ontarians. View full details here.

AMO has two upcoming June workshops focused on enhancing leadership skills on strategic thinking and planning as well as community engagement. For more details including dates and times click here.

LAS
Watch our recent webinar to learn about trends in municipal group benefits and the advantages and cost savings opportunity with the LAS Group Benefits Program through Mosey & Mosey.

Municipalities can help their homeowners by providing sewer and water line protection through the LAS-endorsed warranty program with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC). Learn more here.

LAS’ virtual net zero workshop is less than a month away. Mark June 18 in your calendar to discover how you can cut energy costs, boost savings and incorporate low carbon initiatives in your municipal buildings. Register today.

Municipal Wire*
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is seeking individuals or companies to develop and deliver courses supporting internationally trained planners, career-changers, and employers, while helping existing planners upskill for senior roles in Ontario.

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus presents the Western Ontario Municipal Conference, October 17, City of London, with a goal of providing relevant, dynamic programming and opportunities to share knowledge and best practices, with opportunities for networking. Early bird registration ends August 31.

On June 5, UN-Habitat through the Quality of Life Initiative will host a webinar inviting city leaders across North America on how to best measure and improve quality of life in cities.

The Railway Association of Canada is asking municipalities to complete a survey on the modernization of the proximity guidelines of land close to railway operations. More information on the RailCan website.

Small and mid-sized Ontario municipalities are invited to submit an expression of interest to participate in Quest Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator program by June 13.

Careers
Director of Community Services - Municipality of Kincardine. Closing Date: June 13, 2025.

Supervisor, Treasury - City of Kawartha Lakes. Closing Date: June 8, 2025.

Data Analysis Coordinator - City of Kawartha Lakes. Closing Date: May 30, 2025.

Administrator, John Noble Home - County of Brant. Closing Date: June 16, 2025.