Grey County officials are heading to Toronto this weekend for the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, which runs from January 18 to 20. This event is expected to gather nearly 2,000 municipal leaders from across the province to tackle the most urgent issues facing rural areas.
Councillors and senior staff from Grey County will engage in the conference activities and attend eight meetings with different provincial ministries. This year’s schedule features sessions on topics like Canada-U. S. trade relations, health and human resources in seniors’ care, and the AMO Healthy Democracy campaign. Delegates will also hear from Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet members, 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 take part in a panel titled Leading the Way on Ontario’s Economic Resilience. The session will look at how rural communities can adapt to changes in trade and how working together across government levels can enhance Ontario’s economic potential.
In addition to main sessions, Grey County representatives will meet with nine provincial ministries including Municipal Affairs and Housing, Health, Transportation, Environment, Attorney General, Long-Term Care, Natural Resources, and Colleges and Universities. Topics for discussion will cover housing development, changes affecting Conservation Authorities, costs related to provincial offences court security, support for Georgian College’s Owen Sound campus long-term care needs as well as access to healthcare.
The ROMA Conference provides a platform for rural municipal leaders to connect with one another while sharing knowledge and gaining practical ideas they can bring back home. Complete details about the conference program can be found online at www. roma. on. ca.
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