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 Jennifer Montreuil, who met with FONOM members on Thursday evening to share local best practices, current challenges, and preparations for the upcoming municipal election cycle. The discussion provided valuable, on-the-ground insight into municipal governance in Northern Ontario.

“FONOM greatly appreciates the opportunity to meet directly with local leadership in Kirkland Lake,” said Dave Plourde, President of FONOM. “These conversations ensure that our advocacy is grounded in the real experiences of Northern municipalities and reflects the diverse challenges communities are facing.”

Key Discussions and Advocacy Priorities

During the Board meeting, members continued to advance several key advocacy files:

  • Northern Highway Safety and Capacity: FONOM reaffirmed its strong commitment to the multi-laning of Highways 11 and 17, including twinning and 2+1 models. The Board discussed ongoing efforts to secure provincial and federal commitments and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum on this nation-building corridor.
  • FONOM Conference 2026 – Timmins: Preparations are well underway for the upcoming annual conference, taking place May 11–13, 2026, hosted by the City of Timmins. The event will bring together municipal leaders and partners from across the North to discuss shared priorities and opportunities.
  • Continued Advocacy Efforts: The Board reviewed progress on Queen’s Park advocacy, federal engagement, and strategic communications efforts aimed at elevating Northern Ontario priorities on a provincial and national stage.

Presentations Inform Board Discussions

FONOM welcomed three guest presenters who provided valuable insights on critical issues:

  • Patrick Chouinard, Element5, presented on the use of mass timber and panelized construction as an innovative solution to address housing shortages in Northern Ontario, including opportunities tied to the forestry sector and mining development.
  • David McNeil, President and CEO of Health Sciences North, shared regional health care data, highlighted current and future system pressures, and emphasized the importance of collaboration across Northern hospitals. He also expressed a willingness to work closely with FONOM to support improved health outcomes across the region.
  • MP Gaétan Malette (Kapuskasing–Timmins–Mushkegowuk) discussed federal perspectives on infrastructure and introduced his resolution supporting improvements to Northern highways, reinforcing the need for coordinated federal and provincial action.

Resolutions Reflect Municipal Priorities

The Board considered and supported a wide range of resolutions brought forward by member municipalities, addressing issues such as:

  • Sustainable and equitable policing funding
  • Highway safety and reclassification of Highways 11 and 17
  • Health care access, including concerns related to laboratory services
  • Housing affordability and homelessness
  • Municipal infrastructure pressures, including water systems and public health levies
  • Telecommunications and connectivity
  • Environmental and recycling policies

“These resolutions reflect the priorities and pressures being felt across Northern Ontario,” added Plourde. “FONOM will continue to amplify these voices and work collaboratively with all levels of government to deliver meaningful solutions.”

Looking Ahead

FONOM will continue its advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the 2026 Annual Conference in Timmins and remains committed to advancing policies that support strong, resilient, and connected Northern communities.

 

 

Media Availability

 

Dave Plourde, President,

Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
705-335-1615 | [email protected]