In This Issue
- Conservation Authority regulations.
- Information to assist Municipalities in flood preparedness.
- Consultation on Ontario Energy Board Act changes
- Consultation on Seniors Active Living Centres Act.
- Consultation on Rural Economic Development Strategy.
- Nominations open for Lieutenant Governor’s Award.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data.
- Applications open: My Main Street Fund.
- Applications open: Rural Transit Solutions Fund.
- Consultation: 2025 National Construction Codes.
- Disability inclusion workshop and discussion: Beyond AODA compliance.
- Managing Communications through Uncomfortable Times - Limited space.
- Strategies for Navigating Conflict Relationships for Strong Council Outcomes.
- Land Use Planning - Foundations and Deeper Dive workshops.
- AntiSemitism and Anti-Islamophobia: Spring workshops.
- Advanced Councillor Training Series to Revitalize Your Leadership.
- Municipal Codes of Conduct Workshop: Essential to Good Governance.
- OSUM 2024 Conference - Register today.
- Blog: How AI is changing cybersecurity and impacting accessibility.
- Using the Energy Planning Tool to its fullest.
- Book your 2024 road and sidewalk inspections now.
- Invasive Species Action Fund.
- Energy procurements webinar for elected officials
- Future of Aging Summit: May 15-17.
- Careers.
Provincial Matters
Regulatory changes under the Conservation Authorities Act to support streamlined, timely and consistent conservation authority permitting decisions and ensure permit decisions are focused on natural hazard considerations will come into effect April 1.
As Ontario flood season arrives, MNRF has circulated a fact sheet with roles and responsibilities to assist municipalities in flood preparedness (French versions 1 & 2). Information is also available online.
The Minstry of Energy is consideration changes to the Ontario Energy Board Act that would require broader consultation by the OEB (including with municipalities) and increase the leave to consult threshold. Submissions due by April 7.
MSAA is proposing a new regulation that would prescribe entities that could contribute towards a Seniors Active Living Centre program’s operational cost. The deadline for comments is March 22, 2024.
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.
Nominations are open for the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Distinction in Public Administration, Ontario’s highest honour for public service. Nominate someone from your municipality by April 30.
Federal Matters
CMHC developed housing data Qs and As for Ontario municipalities, to address questions following their recent webinar. The webinar deck is here, which the Qs and As reference.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the Canadian Urban Institute are offering two streams of funding for initiatives to support main streets in southern Ontario. Apply by March 31.
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.
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes is consulting on proposed changes for the 2025 national codes. Feedback collected will also serve as consultation for Ontario’s 2026/27 Building Code. Submissions due April 14.
Education Opportunities
Participants will leave this workshop with a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of building accessible and inclusive communities as an elected official. Register for the March 25 Disability Inclusion Workshop.
The Managing Communications through Uncomfortable Times interactive will teach participants how to manage all aspects of crisis communications during an emergency or large-scale event. Book your seat today for this interactive and exclusive workshop. Space is limited (only 8 spots remain).
AMO’s Navigating Conflict for Elected Officials is an invaluable resource for AMO members and your councils. Hone your skills at the June 26 - 27 Navigating Conflict workshop. If you have completed this training already, take your skills to the next level at the April 9 - 10 Advanced Strategies to Navigating Conflict workshop.
AMO’s is offering two education opportunities focused on planning issues and strategies: April 17 Foundations in Planning workshop builds foundational knowledge and insight into planning legislation and municipal requirements and roles and the April 18 Advanced Land Use Planning workshop works through case studies and lessons learned to build your strategic management and decision making on local planning issues.
Register for the April 24 antisemitism workshop and the May 15 anti-islamophobia workshop and don’t miss this limited opportunity. These informative workshops provide you invaluable insight on the historical and contemporary roots of antisemitism and anti-islamophobia, how to address these and how to build relationships and allyships.
As an elected municipal official we know the pressure you deal with is real and we are here to support you. AMO has developed Advanced Councillor Training in 3 sessions focused on core elements of leadership. Register for the May 8 Session 1 workshop, May 29 Session 2 workshop, and the October 2 Session 3 workshop.
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 April 25 Code of Conduct workshop today
Join your small urban colleagues in Orillia May 1 - 3 in discussion, examination and advocacy on matters unique to your communities and to hear provincial leaders. View the full program and register today.
LAS
The effect of Artificial Intelligence is being felt across industries and sectors. Our latest blog focuses on its impact on cybersecurity - especially as it pertains to government.
The LAS Energy Planning Tool is your 3-in-1 resource for all your energy reporting needs: 1) commodity database, 2) project tracking, and 3) CDM plan generation. Watch this video to see how it works, then contact ept@las.on.ca to get started.
Beat the summer rush and get your road and sidewalk inspections in the queue. The LAS Road & Sidewalk Assessment Service provides accurate data resulting in better management decisions for your community. Contact Tanner for a free quote
Municipal Wire*
The Invasive Species Centre with support from Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry opens the Invasive Species Action Fund intake. The fund assists municipalities in combating priority species. Apply by April 11.
The Independent Energy Systems Operator (IESO) is hosting an information session with multiple provincial ministries on March 26 at 1:00 PM. The session will address project siting, land use planning approvals, and environmental assessments.
The Future of Aging Summit in Toronto from May 15-17 will bring together policymakers and others focused on building age-friendly societies. See the speaker lineup and register at agingsummit.ca.
Careers
Tenant Services Coordinator - County of Simcoe. Closing date: March 28.
Senior Economic Development Officer - County of Simcoe. Closing date: March 29.
Chief Administrative Officer - Township of Muskoka Lakes. Closing date: April 12.
Manager - Diversity and Inclusion - Peel Regional Police. Closing date: April 1.
Manager of Tenant Services - City of Greater Sudbury. Closing date: April 4.
Director of Ontario Works - County of Wellington. Closing date: April 5.
