Elected Officials Attend Annual AMO Conference

Representatives from the City of Owen Sound, including Mayor Ian Boddy, Councillor Travis Dodd, Councillor Suneet Kukreja, Councillor Melanie Middlebro’ and Lara Widdifield, Director of Public Works and Engineering, are attending the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa from August 18 through August 21, 2024. 

The City had requested a delegation to meet with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing or the Minister of Finance regarding the need for the province and municipalities to work collaboratively toward solutions for the long-term stability and sustainability of municipal finances and the creation of a new provincial-municipal fiscal framework. However, the Ministry responded with regrets that they could not meet during the conference, as their schedule is heavily committed. Staff will continue to seek out opportunities for advocacy with provincial ministers.  While at the AMO Conference, Councillors and staff will attend sessions offering the opportunity to learn, network and build ideas on a variety of key topics.

More than 2,500 participants from hundreds of municipalities and organizations across Ontario are attending the conference, which serves as a critical platform for municipal and provincial officials to address pressing challenges that extend beyond municipal resources and responsibilities.

The 2024 AMO Conference brings municipal and provincial officials together at a time when Ontario communities face complex challenges that outstrip municipal resources and responsibilities. AMO is seeking a joint Social and Economic Prosperity Review with the Ontario Government to take a prudent look at how public services and infrastructure investments are funded.

"Current funding relationships are undermining the prosperity of our communities. Housing, public safety, infrastructure and healthcare are at risk if we don't take action," said AMO President Colin Best. "The goal is to make life more affordable for everyone - municipalities, the Government of Ontario, and the taxpayers we all serve."

For more information, please contact Tim Simmonds, City Manager, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1210 or email tsimmonds@owensound.ca

Quotes:

"Our objective at the 2024 AMO conference is to discuss issues with key decision-makers and learn from other communities as part of a broader plan to enhance the City’s government relations and to build strong relationships with our federal, provincial, and regional partners.”

- Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

· Key session topics at the conference will include housing and homelessness, how to fund infrastructure, the opioid epidemic, public safety, climate change, Indigenous engagement, access to health care services, and the use of artificial intelligence

· The conference provides participants the opportunity to learn, network and share ideas that can benefit communities. 

· AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments.

· AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal governments in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Canada’s political system.

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