ROMA celebrates the people, communities and opportunities that make rural Ontario strong
First-ever Rural Ontario Week recognizes the vital role rural communities play in Ontario’s future
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) is celebrating the first-ever Rural Ontario Week, taking place September 20–26, and recognizing the people, communities, businesses and industries that make rural Ontario an essential part of the province’s success.
Designated unanimously by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Rural Ontario Week will take place annually during the third full week of September. This year’s theme, Celebrating Community, Economy and Opportunity, recognizes the people and places that make rural communities strong, the businesses and industries that help Ontario grow, and the opportunities that are shaping rural Ontario’s future.
“Rural Ontario is a critical part of Ontario’s story—and its future,” said Christa Lowry, Chair of ROMA. “Our communities are home to people who are growing businesses, creating jobs, producing food, building things, caring for their neighbours and finding new ways to strengthen their communities. Rural Ontario is innovative, resilient and full of opportunity.”
Rural municipalities also play a critical role in supporting Ontario’s growth and prosperity. They deliver essential local services across large geographic areas, maintain roads and infrastructure, support housing and economic development, and work to ensure residents have access to health care, reliable connectivity and other services.
“Rural municipal leaders understand what our communities need because we are on the ground every day,” said Lowry. “But rural communities also face unique challenges. Smaller tax bases, vast service areas, higher infrastructure costs, health care shortages and gaps in connectivity can make it harder to deliver the services and infrastructure that our residents and businesses need.”
ROMA is advocating for policies and investments that reflect those rural realities, including long-term and predictable infrastructure funding, better access to primary care, solutions to rural housing and homelessness, improved broadband and cellular connectivity, and a modern provincial-municipal fiscal framework.
“Celebrating rural Ontario means more than recognizing what makes our communities special,” said Lowry. “It means making sure rural municipalities have the tools and resources to build on our strengths and seize the opportunities ahead. ROMA will continue to work with our members and partners to ensure rural voices are heard as Ontario plans for its future.”
ROMA is encouraging municipalities, community organizations, businesses and residents across rural Ontario to participate in Rural Ontario Week by sharing local stories and celebrating the people and places that make their communities unique.
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