Ontario municipal leaders advocate for regional priorities at AMO Conference

Municipal leaders from across Ontario gathered in Ottawa for the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference held from August 16-19. The event served as a platform for local governments to advocate for regional priorities with provincial cabinet ministers.

Niagara Region representatives met with eight members of Premier Doug Ford’s Cabinet. Key discussions focused on reducing red tape to expedite the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant, a major infrastructure project intended to support the development of over 30,000 new housing units. The delegation also presented a strategy for 25 highly supportive housing units designed to assist vulnerable residents and reduce long-term costs for healthcare and policing.

Grey County delegates engaged in separate meetings to address local needs. Discussions with the Minister of Colleges and Universities focused on the economic and workforce development role of Georgian College’s Owen Sound Campus. Additionally, county representatives met with the Minister of Education to advocate for increased funding for licensed childcare spaces.