Rural Ontario Municipal Association - ROMA

06/05/2026

Rural communities are building spaces where everyone can feel seen, safe, and supported.

This Pride Month, we recognize the work happening across Ontario to support 2SLGBTQ+ residents. 🌈

06/04/2026

ROMA is proud to stand alongside the communities driving rural Ontario forward, no matter the size.

Because big ideas don't depend on size, they grow through collaboration, leadership and local pride.

Thank you to Board Member Steve McCabe for representing ROMA so well, and thank you to keynote speaker Leslie Fournier, the representatives from the Town of Minto and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, and all of you who joined us! You make this work matter.

06/03/2026

The Development Charge Reduction Program has launched.

The $8.8 billion application-based program is available to the over 200 municipalities that levy development charges, and participation in the program is voluntary.

We look forward to details on the carve-out for small, rural, and northern municipalities, to be announced at a later date.

https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/canada-ontario-development-charge-reduction-program

The Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program has launched.

Municipalities remain committed to increasing housing supply and affordability, and we welcome this federal–provincial effort to lower housing construction costs and boost to construction sector employment. Participation in the program is voluntary and municipalities are encouraged to choose what works best for their community.

Get the key details in our policy update: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/canada-ontario-development-charge-reduction-program

06/01/2026

Feeling inspired by all of the conversations at the Teeny Tiny Summit in Burleigh Falls last week.

There is nothing quite like the creativity, collaboration and pride of Ontario's small towns.

Thank you to ROMA Board members Pam Sayne and Nicole Martin for representing ROMA, and thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs and community partners who came together to make this great event possible.

05/29/2026

Northern Ontario, we're headed your way! Join us in Manitouwadge on Wednesday, June 3 for the next

Keynote speaker Leslie Fournier will be sharing insights on how small communities can come together to build hope, strengthen connections, and create lasting economic opportunities. You're invited.

Save your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yts6pD6sV2EmhZBVEvfvg4AHaJaTlY8nvhUuHoBI7rI/viewform?ts=67e17ba2&exids=71471469,71471463&edit_requested=true

05/28/2026

Another incredible Teeny Tiny Summit in the books!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in Clifford and all of the partners who helped make it happen.

"Small towns may be tiny in size, but they are BIG in creativity, collaboration, and community pride."

05/27/2026

Bill 9, the new Code of Conduct, has passed third reading.

A key step toward consistent standards and stronger accountability, especially for rural communities working with limited resources.

Read AMO's full policy update below.

The municipal sector has long advocated for a new Code of Conduct, and yesterday Bill 9 passed third reading.

"This legislation is a necessary step forward in supporting safe and respectful working environments for members of council and municipal staff. It will allow councils to function more effectively and fairly by creating accountability and trust, which encourages good people to run." - Robin Jones, AMO President

This is a significant achievement for municipal governments. AMO will continue working to ensure the legislation supports the diverse needs of communities across Ontario.

Read more: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/land-use-planning-resources-and-climate-change/new-code-conduct-bill-passes-ontario-nurses

05/25/2026

Last call to register! Two Teeny Tiny Summits are happening this week.

Clifford - tomorrow, May 26.
Burleigh Falls - Thursday, May 28.

Join keynote speaker Leslie Fournier as she shares the power of community and practical strategies for building hope and driving economic development in Ontario’s smallest communities.

Save your spot: https://www.ontario.ca/page/teeny-tiny-summits-supporting-ontarios-smallest-communities

05/22/2026

ROMA is proud to support rural student success through a $25,000 award with Nipissing University.

"By investing in students who are connected to rural communities, we are helping to foster the next generation of leaders and advocates who will contribute to resilient and sustainable municipalities across Ontario."
- ROMA Chair Christa Lowry

Read more:

Nipissing University is proud to celebrate a new partnership with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) that will provide financial support for students and strengthen connections to rural co. . .

05/20/2026

Ontario's food system starts in rural communities, where farmers rely on pollinators to help feed communities across the province (and beyond!).

Protecting pollinators means protecting our food system and the rural economies, farmers, and communities behind it.

This , we're taking a moment to spotlight the bees and all that they do for rural Ontario.