Municipal Finance Forum

Agenda

• 8:30am - Welcome/Morning Moderator Introduction

  Welcoming Remarks:
  Danielle Manton, AOMC, Dipl. M.A. 
  General Manager, Corporate Services, City of Cambridge
  AMCTO President

  Morning Moderator:
  Tyler Cox, CMO, AOMC, Dipl. M.A.
  Manager, Legislative Services, City of Ottawa
  Zone 6 Board Director

• 8:45am - Keynote Presentation: Building Community Trust

  Take part in a practical session grounded in 40 years of hands-on municipal experience across Ontario. This session will explore proven strategies for strengthening relationships between local governments and the communities they serve, with real-world examples and actionable steps toward building community trust that can be applied immediately.

  This session will cover approaches to transparent communication, consistent service delivery, inclusive engagement, and repairing residents' confidence after setbacks. Designed for municipal leaders, this session supports those looking to deepen community confidence and improve long-term civic outcomes. Come prepared to discuss challenges from your municipality, and leave with tools to foster stronger, more resilient relationships within your communities.

  Presented by:

  Kelly James Pender
  Consultant, KJ Pender, Management Consultant

• 9:50am - Doing More With Less: Smart Efficiencies for Sustainable Municipal Service

  Municipalities are facing growing service demands while navigating constrained budgets and pressure to keep rates affordable. This session explores practical, real-world strategies for maximizing efficiency with Lean Sigma, optimizing resources, and maintaining high service standards in a low-increase environment. Join us to learn how municipalities are delivering meaningful results, strengthening sustainability, and creating value when every dollar counts.

  Presented by:

  Clayton Pereira
  Deputy City Treasurer/Director, Revenue Services, City of Hamilton

  Peggy Tollett
  Senior Director of Business and Financial Planning / Deputy Treasurer, Region of Peel

• 11:00am - Municipal Finance Legislative Updates - What You Need to Know

  This session will focus on the most recent legislative updates affecting municipal finance officers in Ontario. We will look at the current status of major topics: housing, water and wastewater infrastructure, procurement, and more. The session will also delve into the 2026 Ontario budget and its implications for municipalities. Join us to learn about what's coming down the financial pipeline for municipalities.

  Presented by:
  Christine Duong 
  Policy Team Lead - Municipal Finance Officers' Association (MFOA)

• 12:00pm - Lunch Break
• 12:50pm - Afternoon Moderator Introduction

  Annette C. Gilchrist, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.M.
  Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk/Treasurer, Township of Bonnechere Valley
  AMCTO Director at Large

• 12:55pm - Greetings from the Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA)

  Stephanie Nagel
  Vice President, Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA)

• 1:00pm - The Road to Implementation: Preparing for PSAB's New Conceptual Framework and Reporting Model

  The Public Sector Accounting Board's (PSAB) New Conceptual Framework and Reporting Model are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, for March year-ends, and January 1, 2027, for December year-ends. This session will offer valuable insights into key changes and highlight essential areas of focus for successful implementation.

  Presented by:

  Antonella Risi
  Associate Director, Public Sector Accounting Board 

• 2:05pm - Strengthening Tax Billing & Collection: Practical Tools & Techniques

  This session provides a focused overview of effective property tax billing and collection practices, highlighting practical tools, proven techniques, and operational insights to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of key processes, common challenges, and strategies that strengthen revenue management and enhance service delivery.
  
  Presented by:

  Steven Radenic 
  Supervisor, Assessment-Based Management, Town of Milton

  Kelan Jylha
  Manager of Taxation and Revenue, City of Barrie

• 3:00pm - International Trade: How FCM is Helping Municipalities Navigate a Rapidly Evolving Economic Landscape

  Dramatic shifts in the relationship between Canada and our largest trading partner, the United States, as well as increasing geopolitical instability, are causing financial uncertainty and risk for Canadian communities and municipal governments. In this session, representatives from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) will discuss the work they have underway to:

  • Engage with US counterpart municipal associations as Canada prepares to renegotiate the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
  • Help municipalities navigate this shifting economic and financial landscape, including with respect to procurement; and 
  • Work with the federal government to help municipalities collaborate with their local business communities to diversify trade away from the US market and attract new investment. 

  Presented by:

  TBC
  Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

• 3:40pm - Closing Remarks & Adjournment

  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO