Grey County officials are traveling to Toronto this weekend for the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, happening from January 18 to 20. The event is expected to gather nearly 2,000 local leaders from across the province to tackle key issues facing rural areas.
Councillors and senior staff from Grey County will take part in the conference agenda and engage in eight meetings with various provincial ministries. This year’s schedule features sessions on topics like Canada-U. S. trade relations, healthcare resources for seniors, and the AMO Healthy Democracy initiative. Attendees will also hear from Premier Doug Ford along with members of his cabinet, as well as opposition leaders Marit Stiles of the Ontario NDP, Mike Schreiner of the Ontario Green Party, and Ted Hsu of the Ontario Liberal Party.
“The ROMA Conference is a valuable opportunity for rural municipalities to come together, learn from each other, and explore innovative solutions to the issues that matter most in our communities. The conversations, expertise shared, and insights gained ensure we return home with stronger networks and practical ideas we can put into action for the residents of Grey County,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs.
As part of the plenary program, Warden Matrosovs, who also serves on the Board of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, will join a panel titled Leading the Way on Ontario’s Economic Resilience. This session will look at how rural communities can adapt to changes in trade and how collaboration among different levels of government can enhance Ontario’s economic potential.
Alongside main sessions, Grey County representatives will meet with nine provincial ministries including Municipal Affairs and Housing, Health, Transportation, Environment, Attorney General’s Office, Long-Term Care, Natural Resources, and Colleges and Universities. Topics for discussion will cover housing development plans, changes affecting Conservation Authorities, costs related to provincial offences court security measures, support for Georgian College’s Owen Sound campus long-term care facilities as well as access to healthcare services.
The ROMA Conference provides a platform for rural municipal leaders to network with one another while sharing knowledge and gaining practical ideas that they can bring back home. Full details about the conference program can be found online at www. roma. on. ca.
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