Kawartha Lakes advocates for local priorities at 2026 AMO Conference

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes representatives were in Ottawa from August 16 to 19 for the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, meeting with provincial leaders, municipal partners and sector organizations to advocate for priorities affecting residents and businesses across the municipality. 

Mayor Doug Elmslie, Councillors Pat Warren and Mark Doble, and Chief Administrative Officer Ron Taylor represented Kawartha Lakes at the annual conference. The delegation used the opportunity to bring the Kawartha Lakes perspective directly to provincial decision-makers. They discussed issues including infrastructure, health care and paramedic services, fire services, economic development, transportation, energy, and municipal airports. 

“AMO is always an important opportunity to connect with our peers from municipalities across Ontario, share experiences and hear directly from Cabinet ministers and other decision-makers about the issues facing communities across the province,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “Just as importantly, it gives us an opportunity to keep the Kawartha Lakes story in front of the provincial government and make sure our priorities are part of the conversation as future decisions and investments are considered.” 

Advocating with Eastern Ontario municipalities 

Kawartha Lakes participated in advocacy led by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), which represents 103 rural and small-urban municipalities across eastern Ontario. 

The EOWC joined the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), in calling on the Province of Ontario to allow municipalities to retain the 1.76% non-refundable portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate. These groups represent a combined 220 municipalities. 

According to the EOWC, the change would return approximately $13 million annually to upper- and single-tier municipalities in eastern Ontario. This additional funding could be directed to roads, bridges, water systems and other critical municipal infrastructure.  

During the AMO conference, the EOWC also continued its advocacy on economic development and business attraction. Initiatives include advancing the Eastern Ontario Transformation Action Plan and strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness, workforce and investment readiness. 

Mayor Elmslie and the Kawartha Lakes delegation met with EOWC representatives and Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner to discuss challenges affecting eastern Ontario communities and opportunities for provincial partnership. 

Health Care and Paramedic Services 

Health care was another significant focus for the Kawartha Lakes delegation, including meetings with Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones. 

Discussions included opportunities to expand the use of secondary triage in paramedic services. Under this approach, a nurse, nurse-practitioner, or other qualified medical professional can support emergency communications and assess lower-acuity calls in real time. Where appropriate, patients may be directed to alternative health care services instead of automatically being transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency department. 

“Secondary triage would help us better support people who call 911 but may not need an ambulance or an emergency department,” said Paramedic Services Chief Sara Johnson. “By connecting patients with the right care for their needs, we can provide a better experience for them while keeping paramedic resources available for the most serious emergencies." 

The approach could better connect residents with the care they need, while reducing avoidable emergency department visits and helping ensure ambulances remain available for higher-priority calls. 

The EOWC is also advocating for community paramedicine to become a permanent part of Ontario’s health care system, supported by stable, long-term funding. 

Mayor Elmslie and CAO Taylor also joined Dr. Thomas Piggot, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Lakelands Public Health, and the EOWC Board Chair, Vice Chair and board members to request consolidation transition funding. The funding would assist with the ongoing transition to Lakelands Public Health, which merged Haliburton Kawartha Pineridge District Heath Unit and Peterborough Public Health. 

Fire service and policing challenges 

The delegation also discussed challenges facing municipal fire services with representatives from the Office of the Fire Marshal. 

Topics included the impact of DZ licensing and training requirements on firefighter recruitment. They also raised the issue of insurance requirements on the service life of fire trucks. In some cases, vehicles may be taken out of service earlier than municipalities would otherwise require. 

Kawartha Lakes representatives raised the challenges these requirements can create for rural fire departments that rely heavily on volunteer firefighters. 

Further discussions are expected with Kawartha Lakes Fire Chief Terry Jones regarding opportunities to identify potential solutions and advocate for practical training and regulatory approaches that maintain safety while supporting recruitment and retention. 

Kawartha Lakes representatives also met with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner to discuss policing costs associated with the Central East Correctional Centre. Further discussion is to follow. 

Airport, transportation, and energy planning 

Representatives from The Loomex Group, which works with municipal airport operators, were also in attendance at the conference. Discussions included the potential for a future Airport Master Plan and the role of the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport in supporting economic development and future growth. 

The delegation also connected with VIA, the consultants for the municipality’s transportation planning, regarding the Transit Master Plan that is being developed for presentation to Council. 

In addition, Kawartha Lakes representatives met with Enbridge Gas to discuss the Bobcaygeon natural gas project and opportunities for future expansion of natural gas infrastructure within Kawartha Lakes. 

Provincial meetings and partnerships 

The conference provided opportunities to engage with provincial ministers, parliamentary assistants, and other leaders on shared municipal priorities. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack and Parliamentary Assistant Matthew Rae were among those participating in discussions attended by Kawartha Lakes representatives. 

Through the EOWC, municipal representatives also engaged with provincial and sector leaders on priorities including infrastructure investment, economic development, health care and the long-term financial sustainability of municipalities. 

The EOWC’s broader AMO delegation met with representatives including the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Infrastructure and Rural Affairs; parliamentary assistants from the Ministries of Finance and Health; provincial opposition parties; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Hydro One; and eastern Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament. 

“Whether we’re talking about ambulance response, fire services, roads, economic development, energy infrastructure or planning for growth, these conversations all come back to providing reliable services and maintaining the quality of life residents expect,” said Mayor Elmslie. “AMO gives us the chance to explain the realities facing a large rural municipality like Kawartha Lakes and build the relationships needed to move these priorities forward.” 

About the AMO Conference 

The annual AMO Conference brings together municipal officials from across Ontario with provincial leaders, public-sector organizations, and industry partners to discuss municipal challenges, emerging opportunities, and priorities for Ontario communities.