Area municipalities take part in ROMA conference

Wilmot Township participated in the recent ROMA conference. Pictured from left to right are Jennifer Bouzane, executive officer for mayor and council; Steven Martin, Ward 4 councillor; Dr. Steven Harrison, CEO, Tri-County Mennonite Homes; Mayor Natasha Salonen; Rick Bresee, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington; and Stewart Cressman, Ward 1 councillor. Photo courtesy of Wilmot Township

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The annual Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) Conference was held last week in Toronto, and many area politicians attended the three-day event.

ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). A number of its executive members serve on the AMO board of directors. Policy, research and advocacy activities are undertaken by ROMA through AMO.

Scott Zehr was one of three members of East Zorra-Tavistock council to attend, and he highlighted a session on rural land management.

“I had a number of different areas that were working on at that. One that stands out is Essex, and how they are trying to contain farmland and make sure it continues to exist; kind of working with farmers and how to deal with small roads and big equipment, and all of these things.”

He added two other items caught his eye, including the need for long-term care beds.

“The thing that was concerning for me, having aging grandparents and parents, is many homes in Toronto; I think there were six homes that were shut down. Those residents are being moved out of the City of Toronto.”

He added those residents will bump people in their own communities out of beds close to home for them.

“That kind of leads to those folks not having their social supports and things like that. I think that was a concern.”

Mayor Phil Schaefer said while the township had no specific asks going in, a few issues stood out to him.

“I attended plenary sessions on community safety and well being plans, codes of conduct, long-term care needs in rural Ontario and increased energy needs and procurement in the coming years.”

He added the ability to network with provincial politicians and staff is an important part of these conferences.

“As well as the opportunity to speak to our peers in similar municipalities and discuss common issues, problems and solutions. After speaking with many mayors and councillors, it certainly made me appreciate how fortunate I am to lead such a well-managed municipality with a strong balance sheet.”

Coun. Jeremy Smith also attended the conference.

Wilmot Township was also well represented at ROMA with Mayor Natasha Salonen, Ward 1 Coun. Stewart Cressman and Ward 4 Coun. Steven Martin attending.

The township said in a press release Wilmot’s delegation participated in meaningful discussions on rural priorities, including accessible housing opportunities with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility and aggregate zoning approvals with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The delegation also joined representatives from neighbouring townships in meetings about rural transit with the Ministry of Transportation and municipal spheres of jurisdiction with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Also top of mind was the Rural Investment Readiness Strategy with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, along with infrastructure grant programs targeted to municipalities with a population of 50,000 or less with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

As a ROMA board member, Salonen chaired a session examining how public health supports a healthy economy through evidence-based strategies and partnerships with local community groups.

“ROMA was a productive opportunity for Wilmot to move key priorities forward,” said Salonen. “Meeting directly with provincial partners allowed us to clearly communicate our community’s challenges and focus on practical, achievable solutions.”

The delegation will build on the insights and strategic connections established at ROMA to continue advancing key initiatives and ensure a strong voice for Wilmot Township.

This year’s ROMA conference featured speeches by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, party leaders and various provincial ministers. Delegates participated in two Minister’s Forums and workshops on corporate sponsorship, waste management, economic development, housing, arts and culture, community safety, health care, and reconciliation.

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) also had a presence at the event, engaging with provincial leaders to advance priorities that strengthen communities across Western Ontario. The conference provided a platform for WOWC to share municipal perspectives, address pressing challenges and explore collaborative solutions with provincial partners.

“Western Ontario municipalities are dealing with complex challenges that affect residents’ daily lives, from staffing shortages in essential services to the need for robust municipal infrastructure that supports growth, community safety and wellbeing,” said WOWC chair Marcus Ryan. “ROMA provides a vital opportunity to bring these local realities directly to provincial leaders, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of our communities and support practical, sustainable solutions.”