AMO Policy Update – OPP Billing Review, Strong Mayor Powers Training, Bill 6 Advocacy, New Federal Minister of Housing & Infrastructure, New Ontario TCIP Program
Provincial Government Launches OPP Billing Review
In a letter to impacted Mayors and CAOs sent yesterday, the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced the launch of a review of the OPP cost recovery model. The review is expected to be finalized in time to inform the issuing of 2026 annual billing statements, with opportunities for engagement with municipalities in June.
AMO understands the impact of rising police costs on municipalities across Ontario, including both those with OPP and municipal police services. AMO looks forward to working closely with SOLGEN on this review and putting it within the context of the need to reform the broader provincial-municipal fiscal relationship.
Provincial Strong Mayor Powers Training
Responding to strong AMO advocacy for provincial guidance, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is offering training on the strong mayor powers framework that was recently extended to 170 more municipalities.
Two training sessions will be offered in the coming weeks, targeted to elected officials, clerks, treasurers and CAOs.
Bill 6, Safe Municipalities Act, Homelessness Encampments Legislation
Today, AMO sent a letter to Minister Flack, sharing AMO's submission on Bill 6, Safer Municipalities Act, 2025.
The legislation includes two key components. If passed by the legislature, a new Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2025 would further prohibit the consumption of illegal substances in public places. Additionally, amendments to the Trespass to Property Act would add aggravating factors to be considered by courts should someone be convicted of a charge under the act.
AMO agrees that urgent action is needed to address the 1400 encampments that now exist in all parts of Ontario across urban, rural and northern communities. While the new police and court tools may be helpful in specific circumstances, we cannot only enforce our way out of the homeless crisis. AMO will continue to advocate for investments in the root causes of homelessness, including deeply affordable housing, access to mental health and addiction supports, and improvements to income security.
New Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Today, AMO sent a letter to Minister Robertson congratulating him on his appointment as the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. AMO will continue working with partners at the province and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to convey the unique role that Ontario municipalities play. We will also look forward to advancing meaningful solutions to improve the current tools and systems municipalities have to build infrastructure and housing, including social housing.
Ontario Launches Trade-Impacted Communities Program
As announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trad is launching a new Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TCIP) to provide up to $40 million in funding to support communities and local industries that are facing economic challenges arising from ongoing US trade disruptions. Stream 1: Community Economic Development is open for applications on a continuing basis while funding is available. Stream 2: Transformation projects will be open until September 11, 2025.
