Members of Chatham-Kent council and senior municipal staff are attending the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto, where they are meeting with senior provincial government representatives to advocate on priority issues affecting the municipality.
ROMA represents counties, rural municipalities and small communities across Ontario and provides a forum for direct dialogue between municipal leaders and the province on shared challenges, policy development and funding needs. The Chatham-Kent delegation includes councillors Jamie McGrail, Carmen McGregor, Amy Finn and Alysson Storey, along with members of senior municipal staff.
During the conference, the delegation has scheduled meetings with provincial ministers and partner organizations to advance solutions related to housing, environmental protection in Dresden and surrounding areas, and health care across the municipality.
Representatives are meeting with the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Honourable Todd McCarthy, seeking clarity on next steps related to the proposed York1 landfill and waste facility near Dresden.
Chatham-Kent council and the Dresden community have consistently opposed the project, citing concerns about safety, environmental impacts, infrastructure capacity and proximity to the community.
Following the province’s decision to exempt the site from a full environmental assessment, the municipality is seeking clear direction on how project details will be shared, how community input will be gathered and how provincial decisions will be made, emphasizing the need for transparency and meaningful public participation.
The delegation is also meeting with Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Graydon Smith to advocate for targeted provincial funding to support brownfield redevelopment in rural communities.
Municipal officials say redeveloping potentially contaminated sites within existing urban areas could create new housing opportunities while making use of existing infrastructure and reducing pressure on prime agricultural land.
“Brownfield redevelopment is pragmatic way to open up additional serviced lands for housing quickly in rural Ontario, but the financial reality is very different outside major urban centres,” said Dave Taylor, deputy chief administrative officer for Chatham-Kent. “Targeted provincial support would allow municipalities like ours to move shovel-ready sites forward faster, without placing additional strain on local taxpayers.”
Chatham-Kent representatives are also meeting with the Ontario Medical Association to discuss physician recruitment and retention challenges and the impact of social service investments on the health-care sector.
“So far, this year’s ROMA conference has been both busy and productive. I am particularly looking forward to our upcoming meeting with Minister McCarthy to discuss the Dresden Landfill, where we will emphasize the importance of effective communication and meaningful municipal and community involvement in decision-making,” said McGrail.
“It is an honour to represent the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as a ROMA Board Member and to chair several sessions throughout the conference. I remain committed to fostering collaboration and ensuring that local perspectives are well represented at the provincial level.”
Alongside municipal advocacy, the province used the conference to announce the launch of a second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 million initiative aimed at strengthening rural economies, supporting infrastructure and protecting jobs.
Applications opened immediately for eligible municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations.
“In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our government is doubling down on our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re making record investments in rural services and infrastructure, and we’re cutting red tape and keeping costs down to help attract investments and create jobs in rural communities. I appreciate the support and collaboration from ROMA and all our rural communities as we work together to protect workers and their families from tariffs, economic uncertainty and anything else that comes our way.”
The province also highlighted a recent commitment of $700 million to help municipalities and First Nations upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which was increased to $4 billion last year to support housing and infrastructure projects across Ontario.
“Our government is working to protect the people and families who call rural Ontario home,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack. “From making investments in infrastructure, to supporting Ontario farmers, to creating the conditions to get more homes built, we are doing what is needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the bright future that is in store for our rural communities. Our appreciation goes out to the many municipal partners and ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, who are working tirelessly to advance these goals alongside us.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says it will continue to advocate for practical, collaborative solutions at ROMA and beyond to support the health, growth and long-term sustainability of the community.
