The County of Brant’s leadership team used the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto as an opportunity to advocate for critical local priorities, including funding for infrastructure projects and improvements to community services. From January 19 to 21, Mayor David Bailey, members of County Council, and senior staff met with provincial leaders to address issues directly affecting residents and the region’s future development.
“Advocating for our residents is one of the most important aspects of attending the ROMA conference,” said Bailey. “It allows us to convey the needs and priorities of our community to provincial decision-makers, ensuring Brant’s voice is heard and that we can work toward meaningful solutions.”
The County’s delegation met with key provincial figures, including Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, to discuss Brant’s commitment to collaborating with Indigenous communities. Transportation was also a major focus, with discussions held with Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria regarding funding for the Highway 403 and Bishopsgate Road interchange, as well as agricultural equipment safety on Highway 24.
Health care challenges were brought forward during a meeting with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, with Brant Community Healthcare System CEO Bonnie Camm joining to advocate for critical support for the region’s health system. Additionally, the County raised concerns about the impact of Ontario Works funding models on municipal programs for vulnerable residents in discussions with Parliamentary Assistant Logan Kanapathi of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.
The conference also served as a platform for networking and collaboration. “ROMA’s annual conference provides an opportunity to meet with other community leaders across the province and share in our similar experiences,” Bailey said. “Hearing how other municipalities are addressing similar challenges helps us learn and strengthen our approach.”
Bailey was joined by Councillors Jennifer Kyle, Lukas Oakley, Brian Coleman, John Bell, David Miller, and Robert Chambers, as well as Chief Administrative Officer Alison Newton and General Manager of Strategic Initiatives Melissa Connor. Together, the team used the opportunity to push forward the County’s goals while emphasizing the importance of rural issues in Ontario’s broader policymaking.
ROMA, a division of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), serves as the collective voice for rural municipalities across the province, advocating for socially and economically sustainable communities. For the County of Brant, the conference underscored its dedication to addressing shared challenges and driving progress that will improve the quality of life for its residents.
