Conference News

Even though the OEMC Conference only takes place over 3 days, work is always being done through out the year behind the scenes. This is the spot to keep up to date on the latest developments.

Municipal elected and appointed officials from across Eastern Ontario gathered together in Kingston for the 13th annual "Ontario East Municipal Conference" (OEMC) the largest annual municipal conference held east of Toronto!

OEMC continues to deliver plenary sessions and numerous breakouts featuring speakers with hands-on, practical experience of interest to small rural, medium and urban communities. Private sector and government ministries participate through exhibits showcasing businesses and programs of interest to the municipal sector. Conference attendees have ample opportunity to visit exhibits and network with colleagues throughout this 3 day event.

The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing was on hand to present recipients with 'Long Standing Service Recognition Awards'. This program was introduced by the Ontario government in 2004 to recognize municipally elected officials with at least 25 years of service.

"Each day, we benefit from the work of these hard-working individuals, and today they will receive the recognition they deserve," said Susan Ellis, President of Ontario East Economic Development Commission.

Jay Amer, General Manager, Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPA EDC), was named as the recipient of the Ontario East Economic Developer of the Year award sponsored by Bell Canada.

“Development is a competitive business and it is a significant tribute to Jay that his peers have acknowledged his considerable skills and leadership through this award” said Bill Lockington, Chair, GPA EDC Board of Directors. Jay was presented with the award along with a scholarshipy to further his education in economic development.

Click here to view the 2005 OEMC Conference Highlights

• Click here to review annual Conference Highlights

Municipal Elected and Appointed Officials from across the Eastern Ontario Region gathered together in Kingston last week for the 12th annual "Ontario East Municipal Conference", the largest annual municipal conference held east of Toronto!

The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing and Minister Responsible for Seniors, attended to address conference delegates on Wednesday morning, the opening day of the conference.

Leonard Lee, Chairman of Lee Valley Tools Ltd., took the stage as Keynote Speaker on Thursday morning. The subject of Mr. Lee's presentation was of great interest to his audience "Attracting and Retaining Jobs in Your Community".

Breakout sessions covered legislation and timely government programs from "Planning Act Amendments/the Provincial Policy Statement", "Municipal Finance and Capital Asset Management" to "Ontario Strategic Infrastructure Financing" and the more recently announced "Community Investment Support Program". A variety of economic development sessions ranged from "Putting the Beef Back into Your Manufacturing Community" to "Technology-Based Site Selection" and "Focusing Your Sales Approach".

OEMC continues to deliver topics touching on every aspect of municipal government, of interest to large and small, rural and urban Eastern Ontario Municipalities.

Shellee Evans, Community Development Officer for the Town of Perth & District was awarded the honour of Ontario East's "Economic Developer of the Year". This award program is sponsored by VIA Rail Canada Inc. Among the many areas of economic development, Shellee was recognized for her implementation of new projects that have enhanced economic development within her respective communities. Congratulations Shellee!

This year witnessed another increase to the Exhibitor section of the conference with several new private sector firms participating. The average number of delegates per municipality in 2004 increased to just under 4.

A new twist for 2004 was a "Companions Program" which was so well received it is a "must do" for 2005! We extend a special thanks to Ian Walsh, Hotel Manager of the Hotel Belvedere and Anne Boyd, Innkeeper of The Hochelaga Inn for their participation in our historic tour.

And the winner of "Name that Municipal Hall" contest with 11 of 15 answered correctly, is none other than Robert Haller, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Prescott. Robert is the lucky recipient of a gift certificate compliments of the Waupoos Estates Winery of Prince Edward County. Robert and his companion will enjoy a complimentary tasting of 4 wines, a tour of the winery and lunch for two on the Patio Restaurant. Congratulations Robert!

Recently we had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated Ambassador Conference Resort.

Most notably was the new two storey, glass enclosed and graciously appointed lobby and reception area. We stepped through the revolving door and were greeted at the new front desk by smiling faces awaiting our arrival. The new lobby area features a majestic fireplace and comfortable seating. Gone is the dated "Mellow D's" and "Joseph's" and in place is a brand new J.M.'s Restaurant and Lounge named in honour of the founder Joseph Mellow.

Among the new improvements are luxurious marble floors in the hallways leading to the grand Ambassador Ballrooms. The hotel now features wireless high speed internet access in all meeting rooms, public spaces and most guest rooms. There are now 19 meeting rooms totalling in excess of 21,000 square feet of meeting space accommodating up to 900 guests. And, the 251 deluxe guestrooms now include 24 with whirlpool and two suites with separate living room and bedroom.

We guarantee you'll enjoy your stay at the new Ambassador Conference Resort! We look forward to seeing you in September!

There is a new look to the OEMC website, courtesy of one of our major sponsors, WEBtech.

The new site design features additional menu options, an expanded Conference Agenda section and a brand new "Marketing Opportunities" section.

Of course, not all details about the Conference sessions have been established yet as we are still a few months away. We will be posting updates to the site as information becomes available and we'll keep you informed of this via this web page. So stay tuned!

Of the 114 municipalities in Eastern Ontario, ninety-four were represented at OEMC 2003. Fifty-four of those municipalities registered between three and eleven delegates with the average in this group being six delegates. In all, 517 people attended OEMC 2003!

The business sessions continue to provide current and informative updates on programs and legislation. This year we were able to obtain twenty-seven presentations from the breakout sessions held for uploading to the "Conference Highlights" section of the web site. They will be uploaded to the site by mid-February.

Feed back from conference evaluation forms indicated that we should continue with the "Taste of the Town" and in addition, give consideration to developing a Companion's program. We're working on such a program so be sure to stay tuned for details. We thank you for your input! Several photos taken at the conference will also be uploaded to the web site. Be sure to check them out!

• Click here to review annual Conference Highlights

Make sure you keep abreast of all changes to the OEMC Conference web page by adding your e-mail to our e-mail list. A form to do that very thing is on the Conference home page. We plan on sending update e-mails about once a month, perhaps more often as the Conference date approaches.