Program

1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm  

Registration Open

Select one of the following two options:

1. Discover Parry Sound: A Walking Tour of the Waterfront & Downtown

Join us for a guided walking tour of Parry Sound’s beautiful waterfront and historic downtown! Discover the rich history that shaped the community, explore the exciting plans for its future, and meet local entrepreneurs who are building vibrant businesses in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country.

2. Planning Canada’s Next Deep Geological Repository: Your Voice Matters, sponsored by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is beginning the process to identify a site for Canada’s second deep geological repository – a facility designed for the safe, long-term storage of intermediate and high-level nuclear waste.

We know that strong communities are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. That’s why we’re committed to listening to local voices from the very start. Over the next two years, we’ll be engaging with municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry, and other stakeholders to shape the site selection process. Your input will help guide how this project moves forward.
 
Why should small urban municipalities get involved?
Municipalities play a vital role in shaping decisions that affect land use, infrastructure, and economic development. Your perspective matters. Join this workshop to learn more about Canada’s second deep geological repository, review the draft site selection plan, and share your feedback. Together, we can ensure this process reflects the priorities and values of communities.

Welcome Reception, hosted by Town of Parry Sound and Trade Show Open

7:30 am – 4:30 pm 

7:30 am – 4:00 pm

7:30 am - 9:00 am

8:15 am – 10:05 am

10:05 am - 10:30 am

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

12:00 pm - 13:00 pm

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm 

3:15 pm – 4:30 pm

Registration Open

Trade Show Open 

Breakfast

Plenary Program

• Jamie McGarvey, OSUM Chair
• Chief Shane Tabobondung, Wasauksing First Nation (invited)
• Opening Keynote: Althia Raj, Award Winning Journalist
• The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario (invited)
• Robin Jones, AMO President

Coffee Break with Exhibitors  

Plenary Program

• AMO Advocacy Update
• The Hon. Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry
• Public Health Restructuring
• Municipal Governance and Leadership in Ontario: Insights into AMO's Leading with Respect Strategy and New Council Education: Why it Matters

Lunch

Dessert with Exhibitors

Plenary Program

• Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition and Ontario NDP (invited)
• AMO IRAP: Opportunities for Local Reconciliation
• John Fraser, Interim Leader, Ontario Liberal Party (invited)

Coffee Break with Exhibitors  

Plenary Program

• Mike Schreiner, Leader, Green Party of Ontario (invited)
• Strengthening Municipal Communications in a Changing Information Environment

7:30 am - 9:00 am

8:30 am – 10:10 am

9:50 am – 10:10 am

10:10 am – 11:45 pm 

12:00 pm

Breakfast

Plenary Program

• AMO Homelessness Report: One Year Update
• Strategic Homelessness Panel
• Public Libraries-local democracy and community innovation and health

Coffee Break

Plenary Program 

• Strong Mayor Powers, John Mascarin, Partner, Aird Berlis

Strong Mayor Powers – Building Homes or Demolishing Democracy?

Almost half of all municipalities in Ontario now have strong mayor powers. Although purportedly enacted to advance new housing and infrastructure to support housing, have these powers really led to new construction starts?  John Mascarin will review of the strong mayor powers and how they are being used.  He will also provide some tips to stay out of traps when using strong mayor powers.

• Infrastructure

Conference Closing

Grab and Go Lunch