Representatives from the Town of Saugeen Shores were currently in Toronto, attending the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference from January 18-20. The ROMA Conference offers an opportunity for Ontario’s rural leaders to discuss local priorities and develop solutions to rural challenges.
In addition to the conference program, municipal staff and officials have the opportunity to participate in municipal delegation meetings with provincial ministries. Since arriving, Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Councillor Dave Myette, Chief Administrative Officer Kara Van Myall and Manager of Strategic Initiatives Jill Roote have presented to three provincial ministries, advocating for the needs of Saugeen Shores.
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The Ministry of Health with a goal to increase and sustain provincial funding for the Grey Bruce Ontario Health Team to fully implement the Primary Care Action Team Plan and ensure everyone in Saugeen Shores and in the region can access to care.
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The Ministry of Public and Business Service and Procurement with a goal to approve a second ServiceOntario terminal in Port Elgin to meet rising demand, reduce wait times, and maintain reliable service for residents and businesses.
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The Ministry of Energy and Mines seeking support for Saugeen Shores’ request for municipal capacity funding as a Bruce Power host community to advance new energy infrastructure for the Bruce C Project.
“Meeting with provincial ministries allows us to build partnerships that will benefit Saugeen Shores taxpayers,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “By bringing our local priorities to the table, we’re working to make life better and build a strong, healthy and well‑supported community.”
Advocacy Implementation is a Major Initiative for the Office of the CAO in the 2026 Saugeen Shores Business Plan.
ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). ROMA is committed to promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments and socially and economically sustainable rural communities, today and into the future.
