January 18 to 20, 2026, Toronto – Members of Council and staff from the Municipality of Middlesex Centre are in Toronto this week for the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference. The annual gathering brings together municipal leaders from communities across Ontario to share ideas, learn from one another, and advocate for solutions to the challenges facing rural municipalities. The conference focuses on strengthening collaboration between municipal and provincial partners.
In addition to participating in conference sessions, Middlesex Centre’s delegation – Councillors Hugh Aerts, Frank Berze, Sue Cates, and Jean Coles, along with CAO Tiffany Farrell – is meeting with several provincial ministries to advance key local priorities, including:
- innovative approaches to municipal financing with MPP Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance
- aligning planning regulations to encourage economic development and housing starts in rural communities with the Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
- support for economic development in Middlesex Centre with MPP Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs
- reducing red tape in the planning process with the Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
As part of the Conference, Middlesex Centre was honoured to be recognized as an Age‑Friendly Community by the Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. This recognition highlights the municipality's ongoing commitment to supporting residents of all ages and creating a welcoming, inclusive community.
About ROMA:
ROMA takes pride in promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments. About 270 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities have populations of less than 10,000, while scores more are rural in character. The rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, ROMA advocates for policies and programs that will help build thriving rural Ontario communities.
Photos:
- Left - Middlesex Centre Delegates with MPP Dave Smith (top) and Hon. Trevor Jones (bottom)
- Middle - Middlesex Centre recognized as an Age‑Friendly Community
- Right - Middlesex Centre Delegates with MPP Steve Pinsonneault (top) and Hon. Rob Flack (bottom)