Advancing Rural Burlington — ROMA 2025 Conference Highlights
As the Mayor of Burlington, a city that is uniquely half rural, I attend Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference annually to advocate for the needs of our rural community.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) serves as the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The ROMA annual conference is a cornerstone event that brings together municipal leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Ontario. Themed "Rural Routes" in 2025, the conference offered educational programming, expert panels, and keynote addresses, all from a rural perspective.
Day 1 Highlights
The conference commenced with a workshop focusing on mental health, addictions, and homelessness—pressing issues that resonate with all rural communities. Discussions also delved into the impacts of pits and quarries, landfill management, and truck storage. A highlight of the day was the keynote address by esteemed journalist Chantal Hébert, who provided an analysis of the potential impending trade war, the impact of the U.S. presidency, the Liberal leadership race, and the upcoming federal election.
Day 2 Highlights
Representing Burlington, I engaged in a productive meeting with the Provincial Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Matt Rae. Our discussion centered on the ongoing housing challenges within our community. I was joined by Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre, whose support is invaluable to our delegation.
I was also able to meet with the new Federal Minister of Housing, the Honourable Nate Erskine-Smith, to discuss the importance of the Housing Accelerator Fund, a program designed to help achieve housing affordability goals, and additional federal support for all municipalities.
Premier Doug Ford also addressed attendees on critical issues such as rural healthcare and infrastructure and emphasized a Team Canada approach to potential U.S. tariffs. The day concluded with the Minister’s Forum, where I asked Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, how municipalities can assist in the Team Canada approach to responding to potential tariffs, including a "buy Canadian" approach to municipal procurement if necessary. I was also happy to be joined by Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna!
WATCH: Mayor Meed Ward Participates in the Minister's Forum
Day 3 Highlights
The final day featured a panel discussion on the challenges of healthcare in the province, moderated by Steve Paikin, with expert insights from Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, and Dr. Dominik Nowak, President of the Ontario Medical Association. Additionally, Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma addressed the infrastructure challenges in rural Ontario, particularly concerning water and wastewater, and highlighted funding opportunities available to municipalities to tackle these issues.
The insights and connections gained from the ROMA 2025 conference are instrumental as we strive to address the unique challenges and leverage the opportunities within rural Burlington. By collaborating with both our provincial and federal partners, we can develop and implement strategies that enhance the quality of life for all residents. I extend my gratitude to ROMA and AMO for orchestrating another successful and informative conference.
To learn more about ROMA, please visit roma.on.ca