Your monthly news & updates | |
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Available |  | |
Returning after a six-year hiatus, the annual Western Ontario Municipal Conference is an opportunity for municipal officials from across the region to work together on solutions to today’s challenges, to learn and to create new opportunities that benefit our communities.
The Conference will feature a keynote presentation by Paul Wells, one of Canada's leading political journalists. For 19 years, he was the lead political columnist at Maclean's magazine, and he's also written for the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and the National Post. Paul is a bestselling author and a regular political commentator on both the French- and English-language CBC networks.
As we prepare for this significant event, we are seeking sponsorship partners who share our commitment to strengthening municipal governance and community development. Your support would be instrumental in ensuring the success of the conference and providing a valuable experience for all attendees.
If you are interested in sponsoring or becoming an exhibitor please reach out to our Event Coordinator Holly Doty: holly@connectdot.ca
Register Here
| |
|
Grey County Unveils Completion of Sydenham Campus with Launch of
State-of-the-Art Makerspace
| |
|
On Thursday, May 30, Grey County celebrated the official grand opening of the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound with a special ribbon-cutting event and a public open house showcasing the 45,000 sq. ft. regional skills training, trades and innovation centre.
A pivotal component of the milestone is the unveiling of the eagerly anticipated 8,000-sq.-ft. makerspace, a dynamic addition equipped with eight dedicated fabrication zones catering to woodwork, metalwork, clean lab environments, digital technology, and marketing. The membership-driven makerspace supports two key functions for entrepreneurship and industry through prototyping and training. More than 150 machines and state-of-the-art equipment are available in the space. Grey Bruce Makers Inc. helped design and build the makerspace before taking over operations in 2024. The not-for-profit group is comprised of experts from across the province.
“Today, the Sydenham Campus is actively realizing its vision and potential,” proclaimed Grey County Warden Brian Milne during the ribbon-cutting event. “This hub is bringing together the right mix of tenants, entrepreneurs and workers. It has become an ecosystem where like-minded individuals, organizations and businesses come together to innovate and grow.”
Pictured L to R: Warden Chris Peabody, Bruce County; Warden Brian Milne, Grey County; WOWC Chair Glen McNeil, Huron County
View the press release
| |
Local Data Resource for Non-Profit Housing Developers | |
|
To support the expansion of deeply affordable housing, a Local Data Resource specifically for Non-Profit Housing Developers has been developed that provides key data and information regarding core housing needs in Bruce County.
Non-profit housing providers interested in developing deeply affordable or supportive housing are encouraged to reach out to Bruce County’s new housing concierge program for information and guidance.
As part of the Housing Concierge Service, County staff will be available to assist non-profit housing providers with the following services:
- Share data and best practices research with non-profit housing providers;
- Connect non-profit providers to municipalities with an available supply of surplus land; and
- Act as a connector, communicator, and facilitator between non-profit housing provider and regulatory staff at the County and municipalities, as applicable;
- Assist non-profits to access government funding to develop affordable housing projects.
Building affordable housing of various types and forms in Bruce County will create housing options that reflect the life stages of individuals and families, contribute to the development of complete and inclusive communities, and support community well-being and prosperity.
Bruce County has previously launched an Affordable Housing 101 Guide and two Affordable Housing Toolkits that provide information on the context for affordable housing creation in Bruce County and its local municipalities, with step-by-step guides, tools, and other resources to support your projects.
Explore the Local Data Resource for Non-Profit Housing Developers
Explore the Affordable Housing 101 Guide
Explore the Affordable Development Toolkits:
| |
$93 Million Boost to Oxford County Manufacturing | |
The Ontario government is welcoming $93 million in new investments from four Oxford County companies, creating 187 new, good-paying jobs across the region.
Through Ontario's Regional Development Program (RDP) – a vital program designed to help manufacturers expand their production capabilities while aligning with distinct regional priorities – the province is investing $11.4 million to support these companies.
Oxford County recipients include:
-
Vuteq Canada Inc. is a Tier 1 automotive interior and exterior parts manufacturer. With an investment of close to $40 million, Vuteq Canada will expand its manufacturing facility in Woodstock with injection molding machines, collaborative robots and camera systems using artificial intelligence. The project is supported by $5 million in funding through the RDP and will create 145 new jobs.
-
Trans-Mit Steel Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.) Inc., specializes in the precision slitting of thin gauge steel products, primarily used for electric vehicle motors and power and distribution transformers. Their investment of more than $23 million to expand their Woodstock facility is supported by more than $3 million in funding through the RDP and will create 17 new jobs.
-
Armtec Inc. manufactures a range of infrastructure products and engineered construction solutions across industries like agriculture, infrastructure, and construction. Armtec will invest over $27 million to construct a new manufacturing facility in Tillsonburg. The project is supported by close to $3 million in funding through the RDP and will create nine new jobs.
-
MTO Metal Products Ltd. designs and manufactures custom metal parts for the forestry, manufacturing, construction and supply chain material handling sectors. The company has invested $2.5 million in new advanced manufacturing equipment at their Woodstock facility, supported by more than $386,000 in funding through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness stream of the RDP, creating 16 new jobs.
With manufacturing employment in Ontario at one of the highest levels in 15 years, the province continues to attract significant investment from both domestic and international manufacturers.
Ontario is investing $160 million through its Regional Development Program to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.7 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,200 jobs.
Learn more about the Regional Development Program
| |
Unveiling of Oneida Mural at the Elgin County Heritage Centre | |
Elgin County is excited to announce the successful unveiling of a mural that beautifully depicts the historic settlement journey of the Oneida Nation of the Thames in 1840. The mural was unveiled at the Elgin County Heritage Centre on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The mural portrays the journey of Oneida women, men, and children from New York State to settlement lands along the Thames River adjacent to the Township of Southwold. This journey included crossing Lake Erie by steamer to Port Stanley and subsequent passage on foot through Elgin County along Kettle Creek to lands now known as Oneida Nation of the Thames.
Elgin County's Museum and Archives staff collaborated closely with the Oneida Language &Cultural Centre to bring this mural to life. The project was made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and artists who contributed their time and talent.
Warden Ed Ketchabaw expressed heartfelt appreciation for the significance of this event, stating, "This mural represents a story of determination and perseverance that directly binds the County of Elgin with the Oneida settlement story. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and artists whose dedication and talent have made this mural possible."
View the press release
| |
Nominations Now Open for Excellence in Agriculture Awards 2024 | |
The Ontario government is opening nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize the outstanding efforts driving the agriculture and food industry forward. These awards celebrate farmers, processors, industry organizations, people and businesses who demonstrate excellence in their field and are paving the way towards a more sustainable and profitable industry.
“The Excellence in Agriculture Awards honour those who set a high standard and lead by example to ensure Ontario’s agriculture and food industry can continue to grow and prosper,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our province is full of devoted and forward-thinking farmers, businesses and organizations working to grow the industry, and I look forward to celebrating their successes.”
This year, the province will recognize agricultural excellence in 12 categories:
- Youth Excellence
- Food Processing Excellence
- Research and Innovation Excellence
- Northern Business Excellence
- Workforce Excellence
- Women’s Excellence
- Education Excellence
- Supply Chain Excellence
- Indigenous, Metis or Inuit-Owned Business or Community Excellence
- Promotional Excellence
- Farm Family Excellence
- Urban Agriculture Excellence
Through this initiative, the province is encouraging the pursuit of excellence across the broader agriculture and food industry, which will be key in realizing the goals set out in the Grow Ontario Strategy.
| |
|
Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership Appoints Matthew Slotwinski as CEO
The Board of Directors of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is pleased to announce the official appointment of Matthew Slotwinski as Chief Executive Officer. Matthew has been serving as the interim CEO for the past six months and brings over 13 years of dedicated service and extensive experience with SLEP to this role.
Matthew’s tenure at Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership has seen him hold various critical roles, such as interim CEO in 2017 and most recently as the Vice President of Economic Development. Matthew has helped the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster, Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub, and Sarnia-Lambton Energy & Chemistry Cluster gain international recognition, attracting new investment and employment to the Sarnia-Lambton area. He has also previously worked with the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton, advising entrepreneurs and creating programming for local business owners.
| |
|
Oxford County announces new Director of Community Planning
Oxford County CAO Ben Addley today announced the appointment of Paul Michiels as Director of Community Planning, effective July 1, 2024.
Michiels has 30 years of progressive community planning experience, most of which has been with Oxford’s Community Planning Office. He began his career with Oxford as a Development Planner, during which time he provided planning advice and direction and development review services for many of the area municipalities in the County. He later moved into a Senior Policy Planner role and in 2010 accepted the role of Manager of Planning Policy, where he led the County’s planning policy team and oversaw various County-wide planning initiatives, including Official Plan reviews, growth studies, and source protection planning, while also guiding the County and area municipalities through numerous provincial legislative and policy changes.
| |
Submission to OMAFRA Rural Economic Development Strategy Consultation | |
AMO submitted comments to the Ministry of Rural Affairs to support their rural economic development strategy consultation. AMO’s submission advocated for increased provincial support for:
Effective coordination of local and provincial economic development funding, increased funding and a commitment to a Social and Economic Prosperity Review
Workforce development initiatives to connect students and workers with the right skills for in-demand jobs with attraction and retention supports
Building complete communities that are resilient and attractive to workers and business including supports for affordable housing, infrastructure, health services, transportation, broadband and energy
Provincial Guidance on Agricultural Land Protection related to Energy Projects
The Minister of Energy and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs issued a letter providing direction to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to include agricultural land protections in future energy procurements. This direction comes following AMO’s recent advocacy to the province and IESO seeking stronger guidance on energy project siting and agricultural protection.
| |
Ontario Supporting More Industry-Focused Training Programs | |
The Ontario government is supporting the development of new micro-credentials to help students train for in-demand jobs in priority sectors like health care and advanced manufacturing. Through a second round of the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund, the province has invested $5 million for eligible postsecondary institutions to work with industry to co-create or expand rapid training programs that respond to Ontario’s evolving labour market.
“The Micro-credentials Challenge Fund brings industry and institutions together to create programs that strengthen Ontario’s workforce and economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Micro-credentials reflect current and local labour market needs and immediately prepare students for industry-relevant opportunities in their region.”
Micro-credentials offer greater flexibility and take less time to complete than standard degrees and diplomas and provide learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to prospective employers. For employers, micro-credentials help their workers quickly upskill to adapt to evolving technologies, trends and practices. These programs promote lifelong learning and contribute to Ontario’s overall prosperity.
Read the full press release
| |
Partners Launch New Database to Address Gaps in Combating Climate Change | |
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), in partnership with University of Waterloo, FCM’s Green Municipal Fund, Concordia University and ICLEI Canada, are announcing a new online database to assist municipalities in addressing gaps when fighting climate change. This new tool was made possible thanks to the Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership, a research project working with 12 academic institutions, 10 national organizations and 15 municipal partners aiming to support Canadian municipalities in monitoring, measuring and achieving their GHG mitigation goals.
The database, hosted by the Waterloo Climate Institute, contains valuable information that can aid municipalities in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The summary report includes details on municipal climate action plans, targets, interventions, and stakeholder engagement methods.
The new tool was made possible following a four-month long survey that looked at the state of climate action in Canadian municipalities. Of the 256 municipalities across 10 provinces who were surveyed last year, approximately 52.3 percent have adopted GHG emissions reduction targets while about 63 percent have developed climate action or alternative plans to address climate change.
Read the full press release
| |
New Date: Community Futures Western Ontario AGM | | | | |
