# Ontario municipal leaders AMO conference

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-municipal-leaders-amo-conference
> Updated: 2026-09-03T14:02:07.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference in Ottawa served as a platform for representatives from 444 municipalities to engage with provincial leadership. During the event, Premier Doug Ford addressed the province’s wildfire response in Northern Ontario, noting that nearly $1.5 billion has been spent on fighting fires and announcing the addition of six new water bombers, five new helicopters, and over 170 permanent frontline positions created over the last three years.

Municipal delegates used the conference to advocate for regional priorities, including infrastructure, housing, mental health, homelessness, and social services. Specific requests included reducing red tape for the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant and seeking increased funding for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program. The AMO also called for more provincial action regarding long-term infrastructure funding and the full funding of health and social services.

Following the conference, the AMO entered a new phase of cooperation with the Anishinabek Nation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Signed by AMO President Robin Jones, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, and Northern Superior Regional Chief Mel Hardy, the agreement establishes a framework to identify shared priorities and advance common goals through advocacy. 

In related municipal developments, West Nipissing Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon was elected to the AMO board of directors. During the congress, West Nipissing officials also met with provincial ministries to advocate for specific infrastructure projects, such as traffic light installations in Verner and repair projects at Minnehaha Bay.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Association of Municipalities of Ontario signs MOU with Anishinabek Nation

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation signed an MOU to advance shared advocacy goals, while West Nipissing officials lobbied for regional infrastructure improvements.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/association-of-municipalities-of-ontario-signs-mou-with-anishinabek-nation

### 2026-08-24: Ontario municipal leaders advocate for regional priorities at AMO Conference

Ontario municipal leaders met at the 2026 AMO Conference to advocate for regional priorities, including wastewater infrastructure, housing, childcare, and post-secondary education funding.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-municipal-leaders-advocate-for-regional-priorities-at-amo-conference

### 2026-08-17: Ontario municipal leaders gather for 2026 AMO Conference

Municipal leaders and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are attending the 2026 AMO Conference in Ottawa to discuss wildfire response, infrastructure, housing, and social service funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-municipal-leaders-gather-for-2026-amo-conference

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Cite as: Ontario municipal leaders AMO conference. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-municipal-leaders-amo-conference