Cancelled: Northern and Western Regional Meeting 2026

Welcome, Land Acknowledgement
Introductions
Mental Health Moment
MNL’s 2027 Northern-Western Regional Meeting location 

Land Acknowledgement: We respectfully acknowledge that we gather today on behalf of MNL’s members – communities located all the way from the traditional southern territories of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk, to the northern homelands of the Innu, Inuit and their ancestors. We will strive for respectful relationships with all peoples as we commit ourselves to collective healing, true reconciliation, and the honouring of this beautiful land. All my relations. 

Participants will discuss key issues and topics they are working on in their communities.

Stephenville will present on their Municipal Growth Plan.

Don Hearn (CEO), Municipal Assessment Agency, provides a clear overview of how property assessment and property taxation work in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is designed to give council members a practical foundation to better understand the key decision points related to assessment and taxation.

Presented by Don Hearn (CEO), Municipal Assessment Agency.

This session provides municipalities with an overview of the Tourism Accommodation Tax, outlining the legislative authority, decision points, and best practices for implementation and governance. Participants will gain practical guidance on how to manage revenues transparently, compliantly, and in ways that deliver meaningful tourism outcomes. 

Presented by Craig Foley (Hospitality NL), Rob Nolan (MNL). 

A discussion on the Canada Community‑Building Fund (CCBF) and its subcomponent, the Provincial Targeted Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) by outlining how they work, their eligibility criteria, and recent program updates. The session will showcase practical examples to illustrate how these funds may be used to support local and regional infrastructure needs. Presented by Deann Spurrell (Department of Municipal and Community Affairs). 

Climate-Ready NL is recruiting small towns for our program’s upcoming field season. Will yours be one? Meet our Western Region team, hear about the climate impacts towns have been reporting to date, and learn about our other project partners and work to come.

Presented by the Climate-Ready NL project team.   

Rae Miller, Executive Director of CBDC Long Range will provide an overview of CBDC services and how CBDC can support municipalities with economic development, one small business at a time. 

Join your colleagues at the Caribou Curling Club (375 Massachusetts Drive) for our Friday Night Social. Hit the ice for some curling or relax fireside in the adjoining lounge. A number of curling shoes will be available, however you can also participate with indoor shoes (using slip on slider/grippers which will also be available on-site). The Town of Stephenville will provide light snacks, and a cash bar will be available (i.e. cash only)

Where will your municipality be in 20 years? In 10 years? In 5 years? What are you doing to ensure your community survives the long haul? What does your Town’s Tomorrow look like? Join this session for a thought-provoking look at Municipal Sustainability, MNL’s Tomorrow’s Towns program, and what you need to be doing today to protect your town’s future. 

Presented by Rudy Norman, Tomorrow’s Towns Program Coordinator (MNL). 

This session will underscore the importance of partnerships in rural and remote areas to advance housing goals. It will also highlight some of the community organizations currently operating in the Newfoundland and Labrador housing ecosystem.

Presented by Brian Coleman, Housing Capacity Building Officer (MNL). 

This time is set aside to discuss issues of regional importance.

Facilitated by Rob Nolan, MNL CEO, and Alexis Foster, MNL Director of Advocacy and Communications.

Rob Nolan, MNL CEO, will provide updates of MNL’s 2025 activities, review key discussions and challenges noted by municipalities, and recap key action items.