August 21, 2026 – Thunder Bay leaders brought forward key community priorities at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference this week in Ottawa, advocating for provincial support for infrastructure, housing, health care, transportation, public safety and community development.

The City delegation was led by the Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, along with two members of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.

"The AMO Conference provides an important opportunity to meet directly with provincial decision-makers and advocate for the issues that matter most to Thunder Bay residents," said the Mayor of Thunder Bay. "We had productive discussions focused on strengthening infrastructure, expanding housing opportunities, improving health and social services, and supporting long-term growth in our community."

During the conference, the Thunder Bay delegation met with:

  • Hon. Todd McCarthy, Minister of Infrastructure
  • Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier & Minister of Health
  • Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Transportation
  • Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Sport
  • Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, Ministry of Energy and Mines
  • Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General

Key advocacy priorities included:

  • Securing support for the McKellar River Bridge Replacement Project
  • Advancing discussions on municipal infrastructure funding for non-development charge communities, including the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build Fund and Building Communities Strong Fund
  • Exploring opportunities for housing and community development at the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital site
  • Strengthening the regulatory framework to better protect seniors and mobility-challenged tenants
  • Addressing challenges related to Records of Site Condition
  • Supporting addiction treatment service expansion in Thunder Bay
  • Highlighting priorities related to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit
  • Seeking investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
  • Advancing the Thunder Bay Expressway and Northwest Arterial Project
  • Discussing Thunder Bay Police Service priorities and community safety initiatives

The annual AMO Conference brings together municipal and provincial leaders from across Ontario to discuss shared challenges and opportunities facing communities. This year's discussions focused on housing and homelessness, infrastructure funding, mental health and addictions, public health and access to health care services, Indigenous engagement, economic development, community safety, municipal governance, and community resilience.

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Contacts:      Michelle Williams, Manager – Communications & Public Relations, 807-627-2446
                       Dana Wilson, Director – External Relations, 807-632-1939