2000 Conference Wrap Up

Amalgamations have not affected attendance at OEMC with over 400 attending the 2000 Conference. 104 municipalities including 14 counties were represented. The size of municipalities represented ranged from 1,000 to over 100,000.

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing addressed the assembly Friday morning. Rusty Russell QC was once again a popular addition to the conference. Pre-conference workshop, tours and over 20 workshops provided a valuable resource of information to attendees.

The social events provided an opportunity for elected and appointed officials to network with their peers. An opportunity was also provided for attendees to meet with provincial Ministor, Deputy Minister and staff from seven ministries.

Fifty four conference evaluations were submitted, and we thank you for your comments. The following is a sample of the responses:

Did you enjoy the option of a pre-conference workshop? YES (100%)
Should tours continue to be part of the conference? YES (95%)
Would you prefere a sit down dinner Thursday rather than Taste of the Town? YES (100%)

Numerous suggestions were received and will be reviewed. Thank you for your feedback.

When compared to other conferences, OEMC is the most cost effective investment you can make! Read what your colleagues have to say about OEMC...

Guy Desjardins, Director, MEDT (Eastern Ontario)
"The conference provides an opportunity to examine new trends, review new information and reevaluate your strategies. I look forward to it every year.

Brian Sylvester, Mayor, City of Cornwall (population 46,803)
"I found the conference presentations very informative.....a great opportunity to meet with Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing officials and network with elected officials from across Eastern Ontario."

Dorothy Finner, Councillor, Town of Mississippi Mills (population 10,700)
"The Ontario East Municipal Conference is, without a doubt, the best all-round Conference in Ontario, in my opinion. It provides a broad scope of information. All committees of the Municipal Councils are included in the discussions and workshops, namely: Finance, Administration and Policy; Planning (also involves Public Works); Economic Development; and Recreation.

The Planning incorporated into the annual Ontario East Municipal Conference provides timely information in an interesting format. Networking is enjoyable in a comfortable milieu. Attendees have the opportunity to meet and speak with Area Mangers (Directors) and Staff of the various Ministries which is very important.

In my years as Mayor I always encouraged Members of Council to attend the Ontario East Municipal Conference if at all possible.

We return refreshed, enthusiastic and with new ideas about what we can accomplish in our roles as Mayor, Councillors and Staff."

Jim Pine, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Quinte West (population 42,000)
"As CAO, the Ontario East Municipal Conference offers an important opportunity to take stock of changes in local government that affect our communities.

The conference brings together both private sector and public sector leaders who have important messages for municipal staff and elected officials.

Taking time to become familar with new ways of conducting local government business is the key to successfully managing the ever increasing pace of change. I highly recommend it."

Chris King Named "EDO of the Year"
Submitted by Ontario East Economic Development Commission

Chris King was recognized as "Economic Developer of the Year" in an awards presentation made at this year's Ontario East Municipal Conference, held in Kingston.

Sponsored by VIA Rail Canada INC., and presented by Ontario East Economic Development Commission (OEEDC), the award honours a recipient who has made a significant contribution in the many areas of economic development.

Chris King is the Economic Development Officer for the Quinte Area Economic Development Commission. He is currently responsible for developing economic development strategies for five municipalities namely: City of Quinte West, City of Belleville, Municipality of Campbellford/Seymour, Township of Brighton and Town of Brighton.

OEMC 2000 Draw Winners!

"Congratulations" go out to Carol Dwyre, Treasurer, Township of Frontenac Islands for winning the Evaluation Form Draw Prize! Carol will receive a beautifully handcrafted wooden pen made in Eastern Ontario engraved with her name. Carol,watch for your pen to arrive within the next two weeks!

Here are the winners of the fantastic attendance draw prizes:

Trish Baird, Councillor, Municipality of Campbellford/Seymour
"A Gift Certificate from Rosemount Inn, Kingston". One Night in 'Jenny's Room' - Especially for you! An antique bed, a down duvet, a little bubblebath and a few sinful chocolates will be waiting! In the morning after a leisurely gourmet breakfast take a stroll thru' the 'Old Stones of Kingston'.

Teresa Chapeski, Councillor, Township of Ross
"A Gift Certificate from the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall". One night stay in one of our Fireplace rooms. A bottle of wine or fruit & cheese platter delivered to the room upon arrival; Dinner for two at Peppermill's; Breakfast for two at Peppermill's and the use of one of our Enchanting evening board games.

Donald Rathwell, Councillor, Township of Ross
"A Gift Certificate from the Ambassador Resort Hotel & Conference Centre, Kingston". One Night's Accommodation for Two in a "Whirlpool Room" including Dinner for Two in Mellow D's Restaurant and Breakfast for Two in the Garden Café.

John Kingsbury, Client Services Representative, Ontario Clean Water Agency
"A Gift Certificate from the Hotel Belvedere, Kingston". One night's accommodation in a jacuzzi room including a delightful light breakfast. "Legend has it that one couple who stayed at the Hotel regularly bathed in champagne". In the 1940's Vogue Magazine called it "the only reasonable place to stay between Montreal and Toronto." The elegant Hotel Belvedere is once again a reminder of the past, with all the luxuries and conveniences of today.

Art Quartermain, Councillor, Town of Carleton Place
"A Gift Certificate from the McIntosh Country Inn & Conference Centre, Morrisburg". One night's accommodation in our fabulous jacuzzi room, dinner for two & breakfast for two in our beautiful "Orchard Restaurant". Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Country Inn.

Audrey Thrasher, Councillor, Township of Somerville
"A Gift Certificate from the Vacation Inn, Arnprior". Two night's accommodation in one of our 50 climate controlled rooms and your choice of queen-sized or two double beds. Stop in at Big Joe's Cafe, a fully licensed dining lounge with outdoor patio overlooking the spectacular falls on the Madawaska River.

Susan McLean, Clerk/CAO, Town of Arnprior
"A Gift Certificate from VIA Rail Canada Inc.". Package for two includes round trip tickets on VIA 1 along the Windsor-Quebec City Corridor. The pampering begins with pre-boarding and spacious seats where you will be served a delicious hot breakfast, or a three course lunch and dinner with aperitifs, wine and liqueurs. Then relax with complimentary newspapers, magazines and beverages.

Conference dates for next year, September 19, 20, 21, 2001

Thank you for your interest!

• Back to the Annual Highlights main page