NOMA Conference Wraps in Thunder Bay With Focus on Municipal Resilience
THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – More than 350 municipal leaders, administrators, government representatives and partners gathered in Thunder Bay this week as the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association concluded its 2026 Conference and Annual General Meeting.
NOMA President Rick Dumas said the conference closed with a strong sense of momentum as Ontario’s new municipal election cycle is set to begin May 1.
“There is a real sense of excitement and optimism coming out of this year’s conference,” Dumas said. “Our members are energized, focused and ready to continue the work of building strong, resilient communities.”
Dumas added that the upcoming election period marks a pivotal moment for municipal leadership across Ontario, with Northwestern Ontario positioned to play a leading role.
Three-Day Conference Focused on Resilience
The conference wrapped up Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre following three days of discussion, networking and advocacy focused on the theme of resilience.
Delegates from across Northwestern Ontario took part in sessions examining the challenges and opportunities facing Northern municipalities, including infrastructure, housing, economic development, service delivery and regional advocacy.
The conference included keynote presentations from the Honourable Marci Ien and the Honourable Rachel Notley, along with the Ministerial Forum, often known as the Bear Pit, where municipal leaders engaged directly with provincial decision-makers.
Provincial Engagement Highlighted
NOMA thanked Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan and Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, along with other provincial ministers, for attending and meeting directly with municipal leaders.
NOMA executive co-ordinator Jason Veltri said having ministers in Thunder Bay is important because it connects provincial decision-making with local realities.
“Having ministers here in Thunder Bay, listening and engaging directly with our municipalities, is incredibly important,” Veltri said. “It reinforces that the voice of government works best when it is connected to and informed by the realities on the ground in our communities.”
Kenora District Municipal Association Hosted 2026 Event
NOMA also recognized the Kenora District Municipal Association for hosting the 2026 conference, along with 52 exhibitors and delegates who took part.
KDMA president Kevin Kahoot said the event showcased regional strength and co-operation.
“This conference showcased the strength of our region, the importance of working together and the shared commitment we all have to building resilient communities,” Kahoot said.
Why It Matters for Northwestern Ontario
For communities across Northwestern Ontario, municipal resilience is tied directly to everyday issues such as road and bridge maintenance, emergency preparedness, housing supply, policing costs, health-care access, resource development and climate adaptation.
The conference gave local governments a forum to raise those issues with provincial representatives while strengthening partnerships across the region.
