From the ROMA Conference, Sunday, January 19 - Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto
A few thoughts from Councillor Kelly after day one:
It’s great to be back at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto, representing rural Ottawa again this year. We began the conference at the zone 8 meet-up, joining other rural councillors from Lanark and Prescott Russell, and getting an update from our representative at ROMA, Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills.
It was great to hear about her current work, including advocating for an improved process for energy project procurement through the IESO.
We also spent time in sessions on enhancing and encouraging more local agricultural-related businesses, as well as rural responses to addictions and mental health challenges.
The day ended with hearing from one of my favourite political analysts, Chantal Hebert, on what the political landscape has in store for us over the next few months and years, both provincially and federally, as well as what may happen with the new administration in the United States.
Looking forward to day 2, where we have several delegations with provincial ministers.
