Wawa-news.com Local and Regional News
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) gathered in Little Current today for the final Board meeting of its 2023–2026 term, bringing together municipal leaders to discuss Northern Ontario priorities and recognize two colleagues not seeking re-election.
Meeting in the Municipality of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI), the Board’s agenda addressed safer highways, sustainable municipal funding, policing costs, access to health care and the future of the forest sector.
“Our communities need reliable infrastructure, accessible services and the financial capacity to support growth,” said FONOM President Dave Plourde. “The municipal election will bring changes around council tables, but these priorities will continue to guide FONOM’s work on behalf of Northeastern Ontario.”
Highway safety remained a central issue, including FONOM’s advocacy for the twinning of Highways 11 and 17. The agenda also included municipal requests concerning highway infrastructure and a restricted towing zone along the Highway 11 northern corridor.
“Highways 11 and 17 are essential to the movement of people and goods across Northern Ontario and Canada,” said Plourde. “We will continue pressing for a federal-provincial partnership to complete twinning and deliver the safe, dependable transportation network that northerners deserve.”
Municipal financial pressures were another focus, with items concerning a Northern Ontario Policing Grant, policing in unorganized areas, sustainable fire service funding, infrastructure grants and assistance with official plan and zoning by-law reviews.
The agenda also highlighted physician recruitment and retention, emergency shelter needs, intimate partner violence, mental health and addictions, and the importance of maintaining access to services across a geographically large region.
“Municipal leaders see these challenges in their communities every day,” said Vice President Maggie Horsfield of North Bay. “Working together through FONOM allows us to bring those local experiences to the provincial and federal governments and advocate for practical solutions.”
As part of its financial oversight responsibilities, the Board met with representatives of Baker Tilly to review FONOM’s 2025–2026 audit.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to thank Deputy Mayor Danny Whalen of Temiskaming Shores and Councillor Sandra Hollingsworth of Sault Ste. Marie, who have chosen not to seek re-election.
“Danny and Sandra have brought dedication, experience and a strong commitment to Northern Ontario to our Board,” said Plourde. “Danny’s leadership, including his service as FONOM President, and Sandra’s contributions have helped strengthen our collective voice. We thank them for their service to FONOM, their communities and the North.”
Plourde also thanked the full Board for its work throughout the term and its commitment to
representing municipalities of every size.
“Our strength comes from working together,” he said. “This Board has helped keep Northern concerns before decision-makers, and that work provides a strong foundation for the next term.”
FONOM represents 110 municipalities across Northeastern Ontario, working to improve the quality of life for Northerners and ensure a strong future for the region’s youth.
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