Ontario municipal leaders gather for 2026 AMO Conference

The 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference is taking place in Ottawa, bringing together representatives from 444 municipalities to engage with provincial leadership.

During his address, Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted the province’s response to wildfires in Northern Ontario, noting that nearly $1.5 billion has been spent on wildfire fighting. He announced the addition of six new water bombers and five new helicopters to the provincial fleet, alongside the creation of over 170 permanent frontline positions over the last three years.

Municipal representatives, including those from Dufferin County, are using the conference to advocate for regional priorities. Key areas of focus include improvements to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program, infrastructure and housing, mental health, homelessness, and wastewater project funding. The AMO is calling for increased provincial action on long-term infrastructure funding and the full funding of health and social services that fall under provincial responsibility.