In This Issue:
- Just launched: AMO's Leading with Respect Handguides.
- Webinar: AMO’s Public Affairs and Advertising Campaign.
- Ontario Land Tribunal Announces AI Practice Update.
- Rural Ontario Development Fund.
- Geologic Carbon Storage Framework.
- Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative.
- Guidance for Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence.
- AMO 2026: Conference Registration Open!
- Supporting your Run for Municipal Office in 2026: Resources and Workshops.
- OSUM Conference: Register Today!
- AMO Regional and Single-Tier Caucus Virtual Meet-Up: 2026.
- Navigating Conflict Relationships for Municipally Elected Officials.
- Municipal Student Survey.
- Bring Your Building Permit Process and Planning Applications Online.
- Streamline Your Document Signing Process.
- Free Intersectoral Action Training Series.
- Webinar on lead service line replacements.
- Careers.
AMO Matters
AMO has launched its Leading with Respect Handguides to provide practical, accessible tools for councils and staff to navigate conflict, foster good governance, and build vibrant, inclusive communities. Access AMO’s Leading with Respect Handguides here.
Join us on March 3, 2026, for a on how you can leverage the resources of AMO’s new public affairs and advertising campaign, ‘’. Discover brand new campaign assets and ready-made templates you can use to boost the campaign reach and drive local engagement. For more information email .
Provincial Matters
Effective March 30, 2026, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is implementing a new Practice Direction on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in OLT proceedings.
The Ministry of Rural Affairs is accepting applications for the Rural Ontario Development Fund until February 26. This funding can help create strong businesses, boost economic growth, protect jobs and improve infrastructure in small communities.
Regulations under the Geologic Carbon Storage Act came into effect of February 1 and The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has published a Fact Sheet for Municipalities about this new framework.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are accepting applications from February 17 to March 17 for new funding to help local businesses grow international and domestic sales.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner in partnership with the Ontario Human Rights Commission have released recommendations for responsible public sector use of artificial intelligence.
Education Opportunities
Registration is now open for the AMO 2026 conference. Register today.
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, represent 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.
Join your Ontario Small Urban colleagues for at the OSUM 2026, April 29 – May 1 in Parry Sound. Click here for registration and hotel details.
Register for the AMO Regional and Single Tier Caucus Virtual Meet-Up, Monday, February 23 from 10am-12noon. This interactive session provides an opportunity for questions and answers on AMO’s strategic policy and government relations priorities and approach. If you have top of mind questions, you can submit them in advance to events@amo.on.ca. Register here.
Gain skills in building collaborative relationships and negotiating difficult ones. This 2 part, interactive workshop will explore the constructs, traps and pitfalls of conflict relationships, and how to approach, plan and execute relationships successfully. Register here to save your spot.
LAS
Build your community faster with an online permitting process for both staff and the construction community. Learn how to accept, review, and issue building permits online with easy communication through the Electronic Permitting Service here.
Streamline your document signing process with secure and authentic online digital signatures through the Electronic Signature service offered by program partner, Notarius. Learn more.
Municipal Wire*
AMO is partnering with the University of Waterloo’s Work-Learn Institute to better understand how municipalities can more effectively attract and retain the next generation. If you’ve supervised a student in a municipal setting – or know someone who has – please forward them this short, to share their experiences. If you have any questions, please contact .
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Tamarack Institute are offering public health units, governments, and others a virtual learning series on strengthening collaboration to enhance well-being in Ontario.
On February 27, the Ontario Municipal Water Association is hosting a webinar on how municipalities can facilitate full lead service line replacements. Register here.
Careers
Program Manager - Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Closing Date: February 20, 2026.
IT Systems Administrator - Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Closing Date: February 25, 2026.
Environmental Planner/Planificateur environnemental - Ministry of Transportation/Ministère des Transports. Closing Date: March 2, 2026.
Director, Legal Services and Deputy Regional Solicitor - Durham Region. Closing Date: March 2, 2026.
Manager of Legal - Town of Innisfil. Closing Date: March 2, 2026.
Manager, Community Housing - County of Simcoe. Closing Date: 26 February 2026.
Manager, Community Housing - County of Simcoe. Closing Date: February 26, 2026.
Senior Manager, Customer Experience - Toronto Building. Closing Date: March 3, 2026.
