Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference

MEDIA RELEASE

January 27th, 2025

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference

Augusta, ON  – The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, held from January 18 to 21, 2025, in Toronto, brought together municipal leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to address challenges facing rural communities across Ontario. With the theme “Rural Routes,” the four-day event featured keynote speeches, educational panels, workshops, and opportunities to engage directly with key government representatives.

The Township of Augusta was well-represented at the conference by Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Geraghty, Mayor Jeff Shaver, Council Members Adrian Wynands, Michele Bowman, Hendrik Pape, and Tanya Henry, as well as Public Works Manager Jon Stadig. They joined leaders from across Ontario to advocate for transformative solutions to pressing rural issues.

The conference showcased a variety of workshops and keynote speakers, addressing critical topics such as agricultural economic development, rural mental health, cyber security, and recent changes in land-use planning.  Attendees gained valuable insights into the future of waste management and strategies for short-term rentals and economic growth.

caOfficials from the Township of Augusta attended delegation meetings at the 2025 ROMA Conference in Toronto, including with Minister Surma, Ministry ofInfrastructure. Participants included (back row, from left): Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Geraghty, Deputy Mayor Adrian Wynands, Mayor Jeff Shaver,Minister Surma, Public Works Manager Jon Stadig, MPP Steve Clark, and Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar; (front row, from left): Councillor Hendrik Pape, CouncillorMichele Bowman, Councillor Tanya Henry, and Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps.
Officials from the Township of Augusta attended delegation meetings at the 2025 ROMA Conference in Toronto, including with Minister Surma, Ministry ofInfrastructure. Participants included (back row, from left): Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Geraghty, Deputy Mayor Adrian Wynands, Mayor Jeff Shaver, Minister Surma, Public Works Manager Jon Stadig, MPP Steve Clark, and Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar; (front row, from left): Councillor Hendrik Pape, Councillor Michele Bowman, Councillor Tanya Henry, and Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps.

 

Prominent speakers included Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra, alongside opposition leaders Marit Stiles, Bonnie Crombie, and Mike Schreiner. The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing rural Ontario communities.

Augusta Township officials participated in several productive delegation meetings, advocating for the following priorities:

  • Ministry of Education: Support for education and childcare expansion in Augusta through the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Program. This initiative includes plans for a state-of-the-art kindergarten to Grade 6 facility serving Augusta and Prescott, while also increasing childcare spaces and EarlyON programming.
  • Ministry of Energy and Electrification: Addressing critical energy infrastructure needs in Augusta to support housing, industry, and economic growth. Officials highlighted a proposed Ontario Energy Board Act bill that could shift connection costs for electricity systems, encouraging regional investment. Existing businesses within the Township emphasize the urgency for enhanced energy solutions to sustain growth.
  • Ministry of Infrastructure: Funding support for infrastructure projects, including sustainable roadways and culverts to support housing across 87hectares and extending water systems on Merwin Lane to enable the construction of 2,500 homes. These projects will foster regional growth, improve connectivity, and build resilient communities.
  • Ministry of Transportation: Advocacy for a Highway 401 interchange at Blue Church Road to address infrastructure needs for industrial growth. This project would enhance access to Maitland Industrial Park, reduce congestion, and support Canada’s expanding other industrial opportunities while minimizing local impacts.

The ROMA Conference provided Augusta Township’s delegation with invaluable opportunities to collaborate across sectors and champion solutions that will drive development and sustainability in the community.  The Township of Augusta remains committed to advocating for the needs of its community and driving forward innovative solutions for growth and development.

A special thanks goes to MPP Steve Clark for his continued support before and during the delegations, as well as to Mayor Gauri Shankar, Town of Prescott and Mayor Tory Deschamps, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, for joining select delegations to show their support.

The ROMA Conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between municipal leaders and provincial partners in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing rural Ontario. Augusta Township is eager to continue these discussions and strengthen partnerships that will benefit its residents both now and in the future.

For more information, please contact:
Shannon Geraghty, Chief Administrative Officer
sgeraghty@augusta.ca
613-925-4231 ext. 102

For media inquiries, please contact:
Willow Anderson, Communications & Camp Coordinator
wanderson@augusta.ca
613-925-4231 ext. 304

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