City of Pembroke advocates for region at AMO Annual Conference

This week, the City of Pembroke had the opportunity to participate in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference. The conference brings together staff and elected officials from across the province to learn and network as municipal leaders discuss challenges and successes and develop new relationships and partnerships. The City of Pembroke was represented at the conference by Mayor Ron Gervais, Councillor Troy Purcell, and Chief Administrative Officer David Unrau.

Mayor Gervais, Councillor Purcell, and Mr. Unrau were part of two delegations, advocating for Pembroke in discussions with the Ontario Medical Association and the Ministry of Sport.

Additionally, the Eastern Ontario Mayor Caucus (EOMC), Eastern Ontario Warden Caucus (EOWC), and Western Ontario Warden Caucus (WOWC) met for the first time in a show of support for two important resolutions.

The City of Pembroke is one of 11 single-tier municipalities in eastern Ontario that make up the EOMC. The three organizations discussed their strategic plans and priorities. EOMC priorities include mental health, addiction, and supportive housing. EOWC priorities include infrastructure, housing, and healthcare. WOWC priorities include infrastructure, housing, workforce, mental health, addiction, and homelessness.

Two motions were passed during the meeting.

"That the EOMC, EOWC, and WOWC direct staff to submit a combined letter of support to the Ontario Government to continue to advocate for the Social and Economic Prosperity Review that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario is leading."
"That the EOMC, EOWC, and WOWC direct staff to send a joint news release to show support for the "Solve the Crisis" campaign as part of our ongoing advocacy around housing, homelessness, and mental health."

The combined letter of support was distributed on August 18. The joint media release can be found on the EOWC’s website.