Pelham Leaders Advocate for Local Priorities at 2026 ROMA Conference

Pelham, ON — Members of Council and staff from the Town of Pelham joined more than 1,900 participants from nearly 300 municipalities and organizations across Ontario at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, held January 18–20 in Toronto.

The annual conference brings together municipal leaders from communities across Ontario to share ideas, learn from one another, and advocate for solutions to the challenges facing rural municipalities. The event also strengthens collaboration between municipal and provincial partners.

“ROMA provides municipalities with a seat at the table through direct, in-person conversations with provincial decision-makers,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “These meetings allow us to highlight the needs of the Town and demonstrate how provincial funding and policy impact rural Pelham. On behalf of Council, we thank the Ministers who met with Pelham and the ROMA organizers for facilitating these important discussions and conference seminars.”

During the conference, Pelham’s delegation, including Mayor Marvin Junkin, Councillors Shellee Niznik and Kevin Ker, along with CAO David Cribbs, and Manager of Communications and Government Relations Leah Letford, met with two provincial ministries regarding:

• Infrastructure Funding: The delegation met with Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, to discuss the recently awarded Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF). With $16,951,238.75 in provincial funding, Pelham will expand and rehabilitate community water infrastructure, including approximately 1,690 metres of watermain, 2,810 metres of stormwater linear assets, and 2,290 metres of wastewater linear assets along Foss Road, Merritt Road, Emmett Street, College Street, and Station Street.
• Special Events and Festivals Funding: Meeting with Billy Denault, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, the delegation requested a review of grant eligibility definitions for special events and festivals. Pelham hosts multiple award-winning events that provide significant economic impact but are currently ineligible under current application requirements for tourist attendance.

In addition to these meetings, the Town of Pelham was recognized as an Age‑Friendly Community by the Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, highlighting Pelham’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for residents of all ages.

Learn more about the Town of Pelham at www.pelham.ca