Ontario's Small Towns Tackle Big Issues at 70th OSUM Conference

PARRY SOUND, Ontario – April 20, 2026 – As municipal leaders from across Ontario prepare to gather in Parry Sound, the agenda for the 70th annual Ontario Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM) Conference reflects a sector at a critical crossroads. From April 29 to May 1, representatives of the counties, small cities, and towns that form the backbone of the province will confront a potent mix of governance overhauls, deepening social crises, and the looming reality of a fall municipal election.

This year’s conference is not just a meeting but a milestone, celebrating 70 years of OSUM advocating for communities that balance city-style services with small-town character. However, the celebratory atmosphere is underscored by a sense of urgency.

“OSUM has been there for Ontario’s small urban governments through historic moments that have shaped our communities – from post-War growth to new post-COVID realities,” said OSUM Chair Jamie McGarvey in a statement. “This Conference brings us together as we face growing uncertainty from global conflicts and trade disputes, as well as a year of local change as we prepare for an October municipal election.”

A High-Stakes Agenda Amidst Governance Overhaul

Headlining the discussions is the controversial expansion of "strong mayor" powers. A priority session led by leading municipal lawyer John Mascarin will delve into the use of these powers, which were recently extended to 216 of Ontario's 444 municipalities. Originally intended to help the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa advance provincial housing priorities, the legislation grants mayors the authority to propose budgets, veto certain council by-laws, and hire and fire senior staff, fundamentally altering the traditional role of council.

The move has been described by legal experts as an "incredible sea change" in municipal governance, and it has not been without its critics. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, a scheduled speaker at the conference, has publicly decried the powers as "undemocratic" and an "attack on local democracy." This sentiment is echoed in council chambers across the province, where some leaders have expressed concern about concentrating authority and eroding the principle of majority rule.

For the small urban municipalities represented at OSUM, the implications are profound. Lacking the extensive administrative and legal support of larger cities, these communities are now grappling with how to navigate this new political landscape. The conference provides a crucial first opportunity for many to collectively strategize and share concerns just as the powers become a practical reality for them.

Confronting Crises in Housing and Infrastructure

Beyond the immediate governance questions, the conference will tackle the persistent and worsening crises in homelessness and infrastructure. The challenges are deeply intertwined, with a lack of adequate infrastructure often hindering the development of much-needed housing.

Recent data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) paints a grim picture, with an estimated 85,000 Ontarians experiencing homelessness in 2025—a staggering 50% increase since 2021. The crisis is particularly acute in smaller and rural communities, which saw a 31% jump in homelessness last year. This "hidden homelessness" is harder to track and address due to a lack of shelters, transportation, and other vital support services.

In response, the provincial government has emphasized its commitment to infrastructure investment. The Hon. Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and a key presenter at the conference, has recently overseen the allocation of billions in funding. This includes programs like the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which are designed to help smaller communities repair aging water systems, roads, and bridges to unlock land for new housing. For municipalities in the Parry Sound-Muskoka region alone, recent commitments total tens of millions for crucial water and community infrastructure projects.

70 Years of Advocacy and the Road Ahead

The complex issues on the 2026 agenda underscore the enduring relevance of OSUM's mission. For seven decades, the organization has served as a vital link between rural and urban Ontario, providing a unified voice for communities that might otherwise be overlooked in provincial policy debates. By operating within the larger framework of AMO, OSUM ensures the unique perspectives of its members are heard on Queen's Park.

The roster of speakers reflects this collaborative approach. The presence of AMO President Robin Jones and Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Chair Christa Lowry alongside provincial ministers and opposition leaders highlights the interconnected nature of municipal advocacy. Furthermore, the inclusion of Chief Shane Tabobondung of the Wasauksing First Nation signals a growing commitment to addressing reconciliation at the local level. As communities across Ontario work to implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, dialogue between municipal governments and Indigenous leaders is more critical than ever.

On the Eve of an Election

The timing of the conference could not be more significant. As delegates pack their bags on May 1, the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election officially opens. The debates and policy discussions held in Parry Sound are set to become the foundational issues of local campaigns across the province.

Prospective candidates and incumbent leaders will be expected to articulate clear positions on the use of strong mayor powers, strategies for tackling the housing and homelessness crisis, and plans for securing infrastructure funding. The conference serves as both a learning opportunity and a political litmus test. The strategies and alliances formed here will likely influence the political landscape for the next four years. As these leaders return to their communities, they carry not only the weight of their current responsibilities but also the challenge of shaping a sustainable and democratic future in the face of unprecedented change.