ROMA June 2026 Board Meeting Highlights
ROMA’s June Board meeting was held in Oxford and Norfolk Counties. Thank you to Dave Beres, ROMA Zone 3 Rep, for hosting and providing a tour that showcased local innovation, economic activity, and community leadership across the region.
Advancing a Rural Health Strategy
The Board received an update on the development of ROMA’s Rural Health Strategy, building on strong engagement with a roundtable of health sector partners and municipal leaders.
Discussions reinforced several core priorities that will be further developed in the final strategy:
- Strengthening workforce recruitment and retention across a full range of health professions
- Improving access to care through innovative delivery models
- Advancing system integration through coordinated, community-based approaches
- Recognizing housing and other social determinants as foundational to health outcomes
The province is investing $3.4B to expand primary care access across Ontario, ROMA is working to support this important work but ensuring investments translate into equitable outcomes in rural Ontario. The Board endorsed continued partner engagement and development of a focused strategy for release this fall.
Why it matters: Without a tailored rural approach, provincial health investments risk leaving rural residents behind this strategy ensures solutions reflect rural realities and deliver real access improvements.
Blue Box Transition and Rural Impacts
The Board was joined by Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, to discuss emerging challenges under Ontario’s new Extended Producer Responsibility framework, particularly the gap in recycling collection for small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional (IC&I) sources.
Key concerns include:
- Increased financial pressure on rural municipalities and local organizations
- Risks to diversion rates and landfill capacity
- Impacts on community-serving organizations such as food banks and shelters
ROMA is exploring collaboration opportunities with Circular Materials and others to advance practical, rural-focused solutions and coordinated advocacy with the province.
Why it matters: Gaps in the system shift costs onto rural taxpayers and reduce recycling services for critical community organizations, putting additional strain on already limited local resources and landfill capacity.
Strengthening ROMA’s Communications and Advocacy
The Board reviewed a new narrative and communications strategy grounded in extensive consultation with members and stakeholders by Curious Public.
The new direction will help establish ROMA as the independent, leading voice for rural Ontario and equipping members with practical tools to support leadership.
This work will also guide how ROMA connects rural priorities to upcoming provincial milestones.
Why it matters: A more focused and proactive approach strengthens rural influence at Queen’s Park and gives local leaders the tools they need to advocate effectively in their own communities.
Looking Ahead
The Board will continue refining key initiatives over the summer, with updates expected on:
- Rural Health Strategy development
- Advocacy efforts on recycling and municipal sustainability
- Rollout of new member communications tools and resources
Rural Ontario continues to play a critical role in the province’s growth, but the pressures on these communities are increasing. ROMA remains focused on ensuring rural voices are clearly heard, well-supported, and effectively represented in provincial decision-making.