FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Middlesex County delegates advocate at AMO 2025 Conference
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, August 22, 2025 – Delegates from Middlesex County attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2025 conference held in Ottawa, where they took the opportunity to engage with provincial officials, advocate for County initiatives, and address pressing challenges facing the region.
The Middlesex County delegation, led by Warden Brian Ropp, met with provincial representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing and the Ministry of Infrastructure to advance rural priorities through strategic advocacy. Discussions focused on housing delivery and land use planning, as well as rural infrastructure financing. From proposing innovative funding models to support critical infrastructure, to calling for timely planning approvals, the County’s delegation worked to ensure that local needs and opportunities remain at the forefront of provincial decision-making.
Key Discussions and Advocacy Efforts:
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing: Warden Ropp met with Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing to discuss Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, Ontario Land Tribunal Reform and Transition Provisions, and Middlesex County Official Plan Amendment No. 4. Warden Ropp expressed support for the goals of Bill 17, but raised implementation concerns for rural communities, particularly around oversight of private servicing systems, peer review of technical studies, flexibility in land use planning, and the financial impacts of development charge reforms. He also urged action on OLT delays and called for timely provincial approval of the County’s OPA No. 4 to support housing delivery and local planning.
- Ministry of Infrastructure: Delegates engaged in a productive meeting with Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant, Representing the Minister of Infrastructure, to propose the creation of a new Municipal Infrastructure Loan Program providing interest-free, long-term financing to support critical rural and small urban infrastructure needs. The proposed loan program would be eligible to support a range of infrastructure assets, from roads and water systems to emergency services and broadband expansion, empowering local municipalities to address urgent infrastructure needs without compromising long-term sustainability.
In addition to these delegations, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service staff met with the Ministry of Health to address ambulance offload delays and explore continued opportunities for collaboration. Elected representatives from the County also joined the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s delegation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Advancing Middlesex County’s new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan was a central focus for delegates this year. Rooted in community values, the plan provides a clear framework to guide decision-making, service delivery, and resource allocation over the next five years. Its four strategic priorities – Economic Development, Collaboration and Partnerships, Sustainable Infrastructure Development, and Adaptability and Agility – position the County to foster a thriving local economy, strengthen regional collaboration, invest in resilient infrastructure, and modernize administrative capabilities.
QUOTES:
“Our discussions at AMO continue to focus on building partnerships that bring lasting benefits to Middlesex County. Through meaningful, direct engagement with provincial leaders and fellow municipalities, we are ensuring that our priorities are heard and that we are well-positioned to attract the resources and opportunities needed for our community to thrive now and into the future.” - Warden Brian Ropp
AMO CONFERENCE
Participants from hundreds of municipalities and organizations across Ontario will take part in the 126th annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held from August 17 to 20, 2025 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. The Conference brings municipal and provincial officials together at a time when Ontario communities face complex challenges.
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Middlesex County is an innovative, well-run organization offering high-value programs and services to the best community in which to live, visit, and do business in Southwestern Ontario. The County serves a vibrant, growing community of 81,700 people and offers a great place to call home, offering exceptional lifestyle, a wide variety of local attractions, and a wonderful sense of community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Middlesex County Media Relations
Legislative Services Division
@email
