The City of Owen Sound is actively participating in the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, now underway in Ottawa.
City representatives are meeting directly with provincial leaders to advocate for local priorities on behalf of residents and taxpayers.
The AMO Conference provides a vital platform for hundreds of municipalities to collaborate on addressing pressing challenges through direct conversations with provincial decision-makers. The conference is a critical opportunity for Owen Sound to highlight community concerns through organized delegations, where municipal officials meet face-to-face with provincial ministers or ministry staff to present local issues and request support or action.
“It’s an opportunity for the City to speak face-to-face with decision-makers, share real stories from the community, and explain how provincial policies or funding are critical to help address specific challenges in our community. These meetings are an important part of making sure the voices of residents and taxpayers are heard at the provincial level,” the City noted.
This year, Owen Sound has secured delegations with six provincial ministries to advocate for solutions to challenges identified by residents. Key topics include improving healthcare access, reducing administrative burdens for family doctors, stabilizing policing costs, addressing homelessness in small urban communities, expanding regional economic opportunities, and securing investments in transit and housing.
On healthcare, Owen Sound is requesting support to expand primary care access for residents of North Grey and to review eligibility for rural health funding and incentives. The City will be joined in these discussions by representatives from Grey County, the Township of Chatsworth, the Township of Georgian Bluffs, and the Municipality of Meaford.
Municipal leaders are also calling for strategies to reduce red tape for healthcare providers, developed in partnership with local health leaders. In addition, Owen Sound, in collaboration with the Town of Hanover, is urging the province to create a fair, province-wide funding mechanism to address rapidly rising municipal policing costs.
The City is also supporting AMO’s recommendations to improve enforcement and public safety while seeking homelessness solutions tailored to small urban realities.
Economic development is another key focus. Owen Sound is promoting the use of its harbour as part of Ontario’s Marine Transportation Strategy, while also advancing leadership in medical isotope development through the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition.
On transit and housing, the City is highlighting the success of previous transit investments and calling for long-term, sustainable rural transit funding, alongside expanded support for affordable housing initiatives.
Mayor Ian Boddy is also participating in additional delegations as a representative of Grey County Council, underscoring a regional approach to intergovernmental advocacy. While municipalities don’t control the outcomes of these conversations, they do control the advocacy—and being at the table matters.
“Municipalities can’t tackle these challenges alone. We’re at AMO to work alongside our provincial partners, share our local perspectives, and advocate for action," said Boddy. "This is about unlocking opportunities for the people of Owen Sound.”