Rural Ontario Municipal Association - ROMA

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.

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

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."

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

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

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 - New Award Supports Students from Rural Communities Across Ontario 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. . .

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.

What can small communities achieve with the right energy, ideas, and people behind them?

Join us at the upcoming Teeny Tiny Summits where keynote speaker Leslie Fournier will answer exactly that. Leslie works alongside rural communities to unlock the energy, pride and passion that's already there and turn it into action that strengthens local economies and community life.

📍 Join us May 26 in Clifford or May 28 in Burleigh Falls.

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

When people come together, even the smallest places can do big things.

Reliable internet and cellular service are critical to keeping rural communities connected to work, health care and each other.

The CRTC is now accepting proposals for the fourth wave of its Broadband Fund, supporting projects that expand reliable high-speed internet, especially in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

This could be a great opportunity to get local connectivity projects off the ground in your municipality!

Learn more: https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/internet/fnd/index.htm

See you May 28 for a in beautiful Burleigh Falls!

This year, we’re gathering around the theme “The Power of Community: Building Hope in Uncertain Times.” Together, we’ll explore how small communities can meet shared challenges with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful action.

Join fellow community leaders for great conversations, practical insights and local inspiration that works for Ontario's small places.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-teeny-tiny-summit-tickets-1986015050478?aff=oddtdtcreator