In This Issue:
- AMO Launches Campaign to encourage participation in municipal elections.
- Annual Report - Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
- Take a look at AMO’s Fostering Civility at the Council Table Handguide.
- Proposed Harmonization of Municipal Road Construction Standards
- Ontario Heritage Framework Transformation: Archaeology Program changes
- Proposed Harmonization of Municipal Road Construction Standards
- Applications Open for EASE Grant
- Feedback Requested: Expanding the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.
- Supporting your Run for Municipal Office in 2026: Resources and Workshops
- Indigenous Candidates Thinking of Running for Office
- Better Rural Data for Better Municipal Decisions - join ROMA April 2.
- OSUM 2026: The Small Urban Approach to Municipal Challenges
- Preventing Escalated Behaviours Workshop: Practical Strategies for Safer Municipal Workplaces
- AMO Conference 2026: Registration is open!
- On the Road Again: LAS staff visit Ontario.
- Risk Management Grant - Apply by May 1.
- Apply now: AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program.
- IPAC Emerging Leaders Conference.
- Careers.
AMO Matters
AMO has launched its province-wide campaign, When You Believe, They Believe, to showcase the everyday leadership of Ontarians and how it can translate into municipal office. Visit whenyoubelieve.ca to learn more.
AMO released its CCBF Annual Report summarizing results from investment of the Fund. Further detail on CCBF activities including progress on Asset Management can be found in the Outcomes Report.
AMO's Fostering Civility at the Council Table Handguide provides principles, tips, and tools for managing conflict, being an active bystander, adopting civility pledges, and how to build effective working relationships with your council colleagues. This is one of seven guides found within AMO’s Leading with Respect Handguides, which all provide practical tools to help councils and staff manage conflict and foster a culture of civility.
Provincial Matters
The Ministry of Transportation is seeking feedback on a proposed regulation that would set mandatory road construction standards for municipalities. Provide feedback by March 30. The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is proposing changes to Ontario's Heritage.
Framework to streamline archaeological assessments and set criteria for evaluating Licensed Consultant Archaeologists’ compliance records. Provide feedback by April 5.
The Ministry of Transportation is seeking feedback on a proposed regulation that would set mandatory road construction standards for municipalities. Provide feedback by March 30.
The Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant awards up to $60,000 for small capital projects for people with disabilities and older adults. Applications are open until May 7 at Ontario.ca/EaseGrant.
Federal Matters
Transport Canada needs feedback from the public on their discussion paper on the proposed expansion of the Minor Works Order under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. Submit your comments by April 3rd.
Education Opportunities
AMO is offering programs designed to support aspiring candidates and returning elected officials. Whether you are considering your first run for office, seeking re-election, representing an underrepresented community, or a youth, we have a program tailored for you. Resources range from helping you make the decision to run or run again, to building your team, crafting your message, and getting out the vote, and includes the Lead Where You Live guide for key steps in the process. Register for workshops and access resources here.
AMO has expanded their Healthy Democracy Leadership Series. AMO is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and run a campaign. Register here.
HEAR Initiative (Health, Economics, Adaptation in Rural Communities Initiative) is developing a new province-wide rural data platform designed to support more informed decision-making in rural communities. Join ROMA for an interactive information session on Thursday, April 2 at 12:00 p.m. to learn how household-level rural data can help strengthen municipal planning, funding applications, council decisions, advocacy efforts, and long-term community resilience across rural Ontario. Register for the free session here.
The OSUM conference, April 29 – May 1 in Parry Sound is the only place where issues such as housing and homelessness, infrastructure challenges, incivility, weakened journalism, and strong mayor powers are addressed and discussed from the unique small urban municipal perspective. View program outline and register now.
Delivered by the Public Services Health & Safety Association, Preventing Escalated Behaviours is an interactive workshop that introduces practical, person-centered strategies to help recognize early signs of escalation, strengthen communication, and confidently and professionally respond to difficult situations. Register for the two-part May 7 and May 28 workshop now.
Municipalities carry significant responsibilities. The AMO Conference is your opportunity to gain a clear understanding of key issues and develop a support network for shared solutions to help you effectively lead in your community. Don't miss it, register today.
LAS
LAS staff are on their spring roadtrips, learning how we can better help municipal staff and talking about our programs. Want to meet? Contact us to set up an in-person or virtual meeting.
The All Risk Municipal Grant recognizes and supports innovative risk management practices within municipalities. Learn more and submit your proposal by May 1 for a chance to receive $10,000 towards your project.
Municipal Wire*
Don't miss your chance to apply for the next intake of the AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program. This program offers municipalities a cost-effective way to identify, advance, and address innovation or research challenges by partnering with a post-secondary student interested in a career in local government. To learn more or to submit an application, Click Here.
The Institute of Public Administration of Canada is hosting a professional development event focused on service delivery excellence on April 21. Register for virtual or in-person attendance.
Careers
Program Advisor, Infrastructure Asset Management - Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Closing Tomorrow: March 27, 2026.
Manager, Information, Privacy and Elections/Deputy City Clerk - City of Guelph. Closing Date: April 9, 2026.
Director, External Relations - City of Thunder Bay. Closing Date: April 14, 2026.
Intergovernmental Advisor - City of Guelph. Closing Date: April 12, 2026.
