In This Issue:
- Applications open for AMO’s 2026 Youth Fellowship Program!
- AMO's Work-Learn Institute Municipal Talent Project.
- Consultation: Development Charge deferral to occupancy permits.
- MECP best practices for Source Water Protection Program.
- Seeking re-election or first-time candidate? AMO’s new, free workshop series is for you.
- AMO Trade & Tariff Forum: Understanding and planning for Ontario’s economic future.
- Understanding your Cybersecurity Risks and How to Respond - October 21.
- Show me the Money: Unlocking Energy Funding.
- Mercury-containing lamps are Going! Going!! Gone!!!
- Call for proposals inviting Canadian municipalities to apply for infrastructure projects funding.
- Western University Local Government Awards of Excellence.
- Careers.
AMO Matters
AMO is seeking applicants for its 2026 Youth Fellowship Program. Share this opportunity with students and youth interested in local government, governance, and the health of our democracy. Through this Fellowship, participants learn about municipal governance and policy while gaining exposure to real-time issues facing Ontario’s municipalities. Applications are due October 30.
AMO is partnering with the University of Waterloo’s Work-Learn Institute to explore how work-integrated learning can better support long-term municipal workforce development. If you have experience overseeing a student placement in a municipal setting, please share your experience working with student co-ops and interns.
Provincial Matters
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is seeking comments on amendments to the Development Charges Act that would allow payment of DCs to be deterred to building permit issuance or first occupancy of the building. Comments are open until October 17.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is accepting applications to assist municipalities and First Nations communities to develop source water protection action plans. Applications can be submitted until October 31, 2025. Contact SourceProtectionFunding@ontario.ca for more information.
Education Opportunities
Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet the challenges of the political landscape head-on. This workshop series is being offered at no charge in two streams: those considering re-election in 2026 and a second for first-time candidates who want to explore whether elected office is right for them. Full details and registration information here.
Get a reliable assessment of tariff and trade disruptions and identify economic opportunities. Economic and diplomatic consequences will continue for many years, so AMO is assembling members and subject matter experts to plan today for a stronger and more stable Ontario. Join us in discussion on building Ontario’s economic future October 24 at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre. Program information is now available. Click here to register.
Instances and success of cyberattacks on municipalities are increasing – are you prepared? To effectively protect your municipality, elected officials must understand how to best prepare for a cyber incident. This training focuses on understanding potential risk, identify preventative actions, and define your role during an incident. View full Cybersecurity for Municipal Councillors training details and register here.
LAS
Is the lack of funding keeping your energy projects from moving forward? Check out this free webinar on October 24 that will unpack available incentives and rebates for your municipality. Don’t wait - register today.
Products Containing Mercury Regulations prohibits the import and manufacture of mercury-containing lights. Starting 1 January 2026, a gradual phase-out will begin. How will this impact your facilities’ lighting? Join us for a free webinar on October 29 to learn more. Register here to attend.
Municipal Wire*
Co-operators Resilience Acceleration Lab is inviting municipalities to apply for funding to develop infrastructure projects that reduce physical climate risks, including flooding, wildfires, storms, and heat. Selected proposals may receive up to $250,000 and expert guidance to prepare for private capital financing. Projects will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 30, 2026. Contact Don Iveson or resilience@cooperators.ca if you have any questions.
Western University’s Local Government Program is seeking nominations for its annual Award of Excellence and Emerging Leaders Award open to anyone who has shown a commitment to delivering outstanding service to their communities.
Careers
Manager, Strategy and Contingency Planning / Chef des stratégies et de la planification des mesures d'urgence - Treasury Board Secretariat. Closing Date: Oct 27, 2025.
Manager, Procurement Services - Town of Newmarket. Closing Date: November 10, 2025.
Deputy Chief of Staff (Intergovernmental Affairs & Agency Relations) - City of Toronto. Closing Date: October 27, 2025.
