City of Cornwall Priorities Highlighted at 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference
Mayor Justin Towndale and staff represented the City of Cornwall at the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, which took place in downtown Toronto from January 19 to 21, 2025. Alongside over 1,600 municipal leaders from across the province, the City of Cornwall engaged in discussions on key issues with Ministers affecting Ontario communities, with a specific focus on advancing Cornwall’s priorities.
During the conference, Cornwall’s delegation participated in several key sessions and discussions, engaging with provincial leaders and experts on issues important to small and medium-sized, and rural municipalities. The focus was on topics such as asset management, mental health and addiction responses, and building stronger partnerships between First Nations and municipalities. Cornwall’s representatives were also part of a broader conversation on challenges faced by communities, including infrastructure funding, homelessness prevention, and strengthening local democracy. These sessions provided valuable insights and networking opportunities to address Cornwall’s specific needs in collaboration with provincial leaders and municipal peers.
"I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in five delegations with the provincial government to advocate for some of the challenges that we face daily," said Mayor Justin Towndale. "The City of Cornwall will continue to address our residents' needs in areas including infrastructure, housing, and public services."
During the conference, Mayor Towndale engaged in several meetings to address key issues impacting Cornwall and surrounding communities:
- With The Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, the focus was on the WSIB Presumptive Injury Rule, a priority for the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC), of which Mayor Towndale is Vice-Chair.
- The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, was presented with concerns regarding the rising costs of Municipal Liability Insurance, a pressing issue for municipalities in the EOMC.
- The Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General, was briefed as part of EOMC on the increased cost of police services resulting from the implementation of the Community Safety and Policing Act.
- Discussions with MPP Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Infrastructure, centered on the Secondary Water Intake project, which remains the highest priority infrastructure project for Cornwall.
- A joint discussion with the SDG Counties and The Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, explored opportunities for improved ministry collaboration and service delivery.
Katherine Wells, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Priorities, also emphasized the value of these discussions: “Attending ROMA is a key opportunity to directly engage with provincial leaders about Cornwall’s priorities. These discussions are vital in ensuring that our city’s most pressing needs are aligned with provincial plans and receive the necessary attention and support.”
By participating in the ROMA Conference, Cornwall strengthened its relationships with key provincial leaders, ensuring the city’s needs are reflected in upcoming provincial plans. The conversations held will help guide Cornwall’s priorities moving forward, securing the resources and support necessary to improve infrastructure, enhance services, and build a strong future for the community.
About ROMA
ROMA takes pride in promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments. About 270 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities have populations of less than 10,000, while scores more are rural in character. The rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, ROMA advocates for policies and programs that will help build thriving rural Ontario communities.
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Media Contact
Allison St-Jean
Manager, Communications
City of Cornwall
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