Media Release

Markstay-Warren, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is expressing strong concern regarding the Ontario government’s announcement to introduce legislation that would ban municipalities from using automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras in community safety zones and school zones. While the legislation was introduced to the Legislature on October 20, FONOM believes such a [...]

KAPUSKASING, ON and THUNDER BAY, ON — October 17, 2025 —The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcome the statement from the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, reaffirming the federal government’s support for Kap Paper and the workers and families [...]

October 17, 2025 – Kapuskasing, Ontario - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is deeply concerned by the announcement of an indefinite shutdown at the Ear Falls sawmill. The loss of this facility is not just a blow to one community—it’s a warning signal for all of Northern Ontario’s resource-based towns.   For decades, [...]

Northern leaders commend collaboration to protect jobs, families, and regional stability KAPUSKASING / MARATHON, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are expressing their sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada, Premier Doug Ford, and the Province of Ontario for their coordinated efforts to keep the [...]

October 4, 2025 – Parry Sound, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) held its Board of Directors meeting in Parry Sound on Friday, October 3rd, where the organization elected its new executive. Mayor Dave Plourde of Kapuskasing was acclaimed as President of FONOM, succeeding Danny Whalen, who was recognized for his 15 [...]

North Bay, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is calling on both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to take immediate, coordinated action following Kap Paper’s announcement that it will begin an orderly idling of operations at its Kapuskasing facility. The decision to idle the mill, despite years of [...]

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) fully support today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario regarding investments in forest road infrastructure and the sawmill chip program. This commitment is an important step towards protecting a sector facing unprecedented challenges, including 35% softwood lumber duties, potential Section 232 [...]

September 18, 2025 - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are urgently calling on the Government of Canada to take immediate action to safeguard Northern Ontario’s forestry sector. Without intervention, the organizations warn that Canada’s national housing strategy will be derailed. In a joint letter to Prime [...]