Media Release

Matachewan, Ontario – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) acknowledges the recent Canada–Ontario partnership to support housing development and infrastructure investment, including funding tied to the reduction of municipal development charges. FONOM supports efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability across Ontario. However, the organization is raising concerns that the current program design [...]

_upscale NORTHERN ONTARIO – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) acknowledges the Province of Ontario’s 2026 Budget and welcomes several measures that will support communities, economic growth, and quality of life across Northern Ontario. FONOM is encouraged to see the continued commitment to the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) program, which [...]

Latchford, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes the Province of Ontario’s recent announcement outlining new safety and enforcement measures along the Highway 11/17 corridor—an essential transportation link for Northern communities, industries, and Canada’s national supply chains. The Province’s plan includes increased enforcement, expanded inspection capacity, improved signage, and continued design work [...]

  KIRKLAND LAKE, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) Board of Directors convened in Kirkland Lake on March 20, 2026, to address key priorities impacting Northern Ontario communities, including highway safety, housing, health care, and municipal sustainability. The Board was welcomed by Mayor Stacy Wight, along with CAO Alan Smith and Clerk [...]

March 8, 2026 – Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is expressing deep concern and growing frustration following another fatal collision on Northern Ontario’s highway system. On March 7, a serious collision near Smooth Rock Falls involving four tractor-trailers and a passenger vehicle claimed the life of a Kapuskasing resident, [...]

Toronto, ON — The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is in Toronto this week for the ROMA Conference, following a full-day Board of Directors meeting held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Toronto. The FONOM Board meeting set the stage for a focused and coordinated advocacy effort at ROMA, with resolutions and policy positions [...]

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is raising renewed concern after new provincial data show homelessness is growing fastest—and most severely—in Northern Ontario, outpacing the capacity of local systems and communities to respond. New figures released today by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) show that more than 85,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in [...]

Hearst, ON – December 6, 2025 – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) held its final Board meeting of 2025 in Hearst, Ontario, bringing together municipal leaders to discuss issues and priorities affecting communities across Northern Ontario. The meeting included the presentation of the first President’s Report by newly elected President Dave Plourde, who [...]

Thunder Bay, ON / North Bay, ON  — December 3, 2025 — The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) have concluded two highly productive days of meetings on Parliament Hill as part of Northern Ontario Hill Days, a coordinated advocacy mission that brought municipal leaders directly to federal [...]

  OTTAWA, ON - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are expressing deep concern following Algoma Steel’s announcement of 1,000 layoff notices—an immeasurable blow to workers, families, and the community of Sault Ste. Marie. “This is a difficult and uncertain moment for workers, their loved ones, and the [...]