Agenda – 2025 Municipal Symposium

The 2025 Municipal Symposium takes place in Gander, NL at the Quality Hotel & Suites, 102 Trans-Canada Hwy, on May 1-3.

Note: this page is currently being actively updated and should not be considered a final agenda. A final agenda will be sent to registered attendees prior to the Symposium.

These links will jump you to each day in the agenda: Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Wednesday, April 30

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Registration in Salon E

Pick up your delegate name badge, event booklet, printed agenda, and other must-have information at the registration desk.

Please note, registration is in Salon E, off the mezzanine (turn right before the elevators)

Thursday, May 1

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration in Salon E

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Salon BCD

Sponsor’s Cafe – Provided by Quality Hotel & Suites

Join us in the Salons on the Mezzanine level for networking, coffee and tea, and the sponsor showcase. Say hello to old friends and new connections at this causal start to the day

9:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Salon A

Opening Plenary | From Land Claims to Self-Government: The Nunatsiavut Experience

Presenter: First Minister Melva Williams

An overview of the Nunatsiavut Government, the relationship with the Inuit Community Governments, and achievements and challenges.

Outcomes:

• Gain a deeper appreciation of the Nunatsiavut Government’s past, present, and future, as well as the role and responsibilities of Inuit Community Governments.

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Theatre

Best Practices for Housing-Related Projects

Presenters: Moderator Bradley Power (MNL), with panelists Ben Noseworthy (MNL), Brian Coleman (MNL), Ashley Smith (Fundamental Inc.), Jeremy Bryant (Lat49 Architecture Inc.)

Download the presentation slides here

This session will start with a presentation of the current state of housing-related projects leading into a moderated discussion of best practices and examples followed by an open Q&A period.

Outcomes:

• Hear valuable information regarding housing projects.
• Gain an increased knowledge of housing projects and local impacts.
• Become empowered to undertake a housing-related project.

10:15 AM – 11:10 AM
Salon A

Countering Racist Hate

Presenters: Sobia Shaheen Shaikh and Doménica Lombeida

Download the presentation slides here

Everyone who makes Newfoundland and Labrador their home deserves to feel safe: hate disrupts the integrity of our communities. In this presentation, you will learn about different forms of racist hate, and about countering hate. You will also learn about the Anti-Racism Coalition’s (ARC-NL) anti-racism literacy and anti-hate campaign, and how your community can help.

Outcomes:

• Gain clarity on the definitions of hate, hate crimes, and hate-motivated incidents.
• Discover the main three pillars of addressing hate in Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.
• Find out about ARC-NL’s project to counter hate and advance anti-racism literacy in N.L. municipalities.

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Salon A

Results Presentation on Fire Services Research

Presenter: Kathleen Parewick

Download the presentation slides here

Join us to hear about results from ongoing research work in consultation with the NLAFS and PMA regarding fire services, fire departments, and the perspectives of firefighters across the province.

Outcomes:

• Members will hear the most up-to-date information that we have on fire departments and firefighters in this province.
• Gain clarity on the challenges that fire departments are facing across the province.
• Encourage increased involvement of your fire departments in the next phase of the research.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Salon BCD

Luncheon – Provided by the Town of Gander

Presenter: Mayor Percy Farwell, Town of Gander

1:15 PM – 2:10 PM
Salon A

Navigating Economic Uncertainty

Presenters: Moderator Rob Nolan with panelists Stephen Short, AnnMarie Boudreau, Mark Janes, Amy Coady

This panel of business and governance experts take on the issue of economic uncertainty amid unstable and changing global tariff conditions with attention to impacts on municipalities.

Outcomes:

• Obtain insight into the impacts of tariffs on the local economy.
• Discover how municipalities can mobilize to adapt to and mitigate changing global economic circumstances.
• Learn how small and large towns alike can work together with businesses and local organizations to shore up local economies.

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Salon A

Community Data and Digitization

Presenters: Kim Crosbie (MUN), Heather Ward (CNA)

Download the CNA presentation slides here

Download the MUN presentation slides here

College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador will share knowledge, resources, and tools from their community based work across the province, through an interactive presentation that will include opportunities and information on how to connect.

Outcomes:

• Learn about the tools and resources available to inform and support community initiatives
• Gain increased knowledge in how to access and use online resources
• Obtain insight into examples of community projects

2:15 PM – 2:40 PM
Theatre

Home Caregiver Support Program

Presenters: Lewis Stoyles, Dr. Bill Eaton

Download the presentation slides here

Learn about the Home Care Support Program which provides training, both online and in-person, to improve non-professional caregivers’ competence in addressing challenges faced by those caring for chronically or terminally ill individuals in a home environment.

Outcomes:

• Gather information to take back to your communities to promote free training to support chronically or terminally ill community members
• Discover resources to help residents look after friends and family who are in need of assistance in meeting their daily medical challenges

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Theatre

Welcome Home: The Newfoundland and Labrador Advantage

Presenter: Flora Jackman

Download the presentation slides here

This session is designed to help communities develop and engage in recruitment and retention efforts by identifying those strengths in the community that can influence healthcare providers to make a home in this province.

Outcomes:

• Discover the purpose of the Welcome Home tool kit and why it was developed
• Participate in a workshop that will identify one of the ideas proposed in the tool kit and how to plan an event.

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Salon BCD

Sponsor Showcase | Nutrition Break – Provided by Municipal Assessment Agency

3:45 – 4:45
Salon A

The Towns and Local Service Districts Act: Learnings from the First Four Months

Presenters: Christopher Goodridge and Justin Hewitt

Download the presentation slides here

Join Christopher Goodridge and Justin Hewitt from Stewart McKelvey for a discussion of the most common legal questions arising under the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act in the first four months since implementation.

Outcomes:

• Learn valuable information regarding municipal decision-making under the new Act
• Obtain insight into key issues in by-law creation and enforcement under the new Act.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Theatre

Meet-Up for Indigenous Delegates

Indigenous members and attendees, join your colleagues and MNL staff for an informal sharing of experiences and discussion on how MNL can support Indigenous people in the municipal sector.

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Salon BCD

Welcome Reception | Sponsor Showcase – Sponsored by takeCHARGE and Canoe Procurement Group of Canada

Featuring food and musical entertainment by local musicians Gary Knapman and Roland Gallant. Music provided by Canoe Procurement Group of Canada.

9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Salon E

Hospitality Suite – Provided by Stewart McKelvey

Friday, May 2

8:00 AM
Salon E

Registration Desk Opens

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Salon BCD

Sponsor’s Cafe – Provided by Eastern Audio

Join us in the Salons on the Mezzanine level for networking, coffee and tea, and the sponsor showcase. Say hello to old friends and new connections at this causal start to the day

8:30 AM – 9:25 AM
Salon A

Climate Ready NL: Supporting Local Adaptation Leadership

Presenters: Dr. Kathleen Parewick, Community Collaboration and Development Officer, MNL and Ashley Smith, B.Sc, M.Eng, Climate Change Consultant, Fundamental Inc.

Download the presentation slides here

What happens when a coalition of municipal sector-representing organizations decide to collaboratively advance climate change capacity, equitable adaptation, and resilience at the local level? Newfoundland and Labrador is about to find out!

Working with our wider network of practitioners and educators, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), the Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA), the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services (NLAFS) and the Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM) are embarking on a two-year, co-delivered series of interlocking, mutually-reinforcing municipal sector training that will support your leadership, leverage your local knowledge, and address the challenges repeatedly faced by our many small towns in advancing new projects. Kathleen and Ashley will offer a first peak at the Climate-Ready NL Roadmap and take you through the steps to get your town signed up.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Salon A

Tax Year 2026 Valuation Results

Presenter: Don Hearn, CEO – Municipal Assessment Agency

Download the presentation slides here

Join Municipal Assessment Agency CEO Don Hearn as he presents on the 2026 valuation and other key MAA updates. Delegates will also have an opportunity to engage in a Q and A session.

Outcomes:

• Hear valuable information regarding the overall assessment results related to tax year 2026.
• Gain increased knowledge of the property assessment and tax system in N.L.
• Gain tangible skills in the implementation of property assessment.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Theatre

Occupational Health and Safety Considerations for Municipalities

Presenter: Jayna Green

Download the presentation slides here

The session will provide an update on emerging trends in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and important OHS considerations in the municipal sphere.

Outcomes:

• Members will return to their communities with knowledge about emerging trends in OHS law and practical considerations to improve OHS literacy within their organizations.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Salon BCD

Nutrition Break and Sponsor Showcase – Provided by belairdirect

10:30 AM – 10:55 AM
Salon A

Reaching Compliance: Your Role in the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations

Presenters: Dr. Deatra Walsh, Ben Noseworthy

Download the presentation slides here

Positive changes with the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations in 2024 mean municipalities can now mobilize to reach compliance. Updates and a plan for moving forward with regulatory compliance on transitional authorizations, wastewater monitoring, and training will be provided.

Outcomes:

• Learn how to work towards receiving their transitional authorizations.
• Discover new and exciting opportunities to avail of wastewater monitoring training for your municipality.
• Collaborate with others in your region to share knowledge on best practices to address wastewater challenges.

10:30 AM – 10:55 AM
Theatre

Understanding Municipal Accounting Obligations

Presenter: Kim Noseworthy, Municipal Finance Support program coordinator

Are your town’s finances up to date? You’re not alone. Many small towns across the province are unable to access grant funds because, for a range of reasons, municipal financial reporting is behind schedule. In addition to contravening provincial legislation, municipalities are restricted from accessing municipal operating grants.

Find out how to rediscover the path to increased funding with Kim Noseworthy, MNL program co-ordinator for the Municipal Finance Services Program. Since joining MNL in late 2024, Kim has already helped several towns become legislatively compliant and freed up access to millions in grant funding. Join Kim for a look at the financial management timeline required to maintain accurate financial records and comply with provincial regulations.

Outcomes:

• Clearly understand the financial timelines and expectations within the role of Town Manager/Clerk and how to achieve them

11:00 AM – 11:25 AM
Salon A

Empowering Municipal Administrators

Presenters: Connie Reid and Craig Pollett

Councils decide what needs to be done; administrators manage how it gets done. If a Council is not investing in their administrator’s success, they are fighting with one arm tied behind their back. Craig Pollett will facilitate a panel discussion and audience Q&A on the importance of investing in municipal administrators for municipal success.

Outcomes:

• Bring valuable information back to your council regarding approaches to building staff morale and retention.
• Learn how small and large towns alike can improve employee retention.
• Obtain insight into the benefits of building a culture of support and development within their administration

11:00 AM – 11:25 AM
Theatre

Economic Gardening – Building from the Ground Up

Presenter: Kerry Murray, Director, Economic Development and Tourism, Town of Torbay

Download the presentation slides here

A look at some of the economic development strategies in the Town of Torbay. These efforts are focused on building a solid foundation to provide broader economic and community development initiatives a greater probability of success. These include strategies to increase diversity, equity and inclusion, address transportation poverty, and strengthen long-term community sustainability.

Outcomes:

• Learn the importance of building and nurturing the local business community along with local community assets
• Gain insight into the value of building on community strengths and economic development initiatives and how initiatives that bring diversity, equity and inclusion to the community benefit everyone and help advance other more complex economic development strategies

11:30 AM – 12:25 AM
Salon A

Your Tomorrow Starts Today: A Talk on Municipal Sustainability

Presenter: Rudy Norman, Tomorrow’s Towns Program Coordinator

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.

Outcomes:

• Obtain insight into the Sustainable Development Goals and how they apply to their municipality
• Discover how MNL’s Tomorrow’s Towns program can help municipalities become more sustainable.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Salon BCD

Luncheon – Sponsored by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Presenter: The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Digital Government and ServiceNL

2:00 PM – 2:55 PM
Salon A

Water Treatment and Service Level Decision Matrix for Water Systems in Newfoundland and Labrador

Presenter: Victoria Pelley, Program Lead – Community Water & Wastewater Section, Government of N.L.

Download the presentation slides here

There are approximately 471 public drinking water supplies owned/operated by 366 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Of those 471 water systems, approximately 70% service less than 500 people, and approximately 35% service less than 100 people. Small water systems in NL are more likely to experience boil water advisories (BWAs) and/or challenging water quality issues, and are less likely to have a dedicated or certified water system operator. As of March 31, 2024 there were 184 BWAs with approximately 76% of those advisories for water systems servicing 500 or less people.

In 2023-24, ECC contracted CBCL Limited to develop a water treatment and service level decision-making framework that is specific to public drinking water systems in NL. The decision matrix was to be focused on small rural communities that service 500 people or less, and that would consider their unique challenges related to remote geographic locations, small and aging populations, and limited fiscal and technical capacity. The consultant was tasked to investigate alternate treatment and service delivery options not currently included under government policies, such as decentralized treatment options (ex: point-of-use and point-of-entry treatment).

Outcomes:

• Discuss your communities’ water quality and review options to meet Health Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for various service delivery options
• Leave the workshop with specific knowledge on how your community can move forward towards clean and safe drinking water
• Gain crucial insights regarding the current shift in alternative treatment and service delivery methods

2:00 PM – 2:55 PM
Theatre

Community Wellbeing Through Social Acquisition

Presenters: Andre LeBlanc, Lindsey Hynes

Download the presentation slides here

Over half of small and medium-sized businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador may close in the next five years. If these businesses shut down, many rural communities could lose important local services, jobs and community hubs. At the same time, community organizations are facing funding challenges and are looking for new ways to earn income. Through CSCNL’s SETA project, community groups have the chance to take over local businesses, helping to keep them open while also supporting their own work. We all have a role to play in community wellbeing.

Outcomes:

• Learn how to strengthen community wellbeing through social acquisition.
• Gain the opportunity to collaborate with others in their region to stimulate social acquisitions.
• Increase your knowledge of social entrepreneurship.

3:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Salon A

Not Banking On Loss: Municipal Solutions to Economic Threats
Presenters:

Moderator: Brad Power; Panelists: Mayor Andrew Shea (Fogo Island), Mayor Trevor Green (Burgeo), Councillor David Hiscock (Bonavista)

A panel of mayors discuss the loss of banks in their communities and how municipalities are working to find solutions.

Outcomes:

• Learn how small and large towns are impacted by changes to financial services in community.
• Discover how to be proactive in the face of potential bank loss.
• Obtain insight into other financial institution options available to local communities, and how to navigate alternatives.

3:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Theatre

Big Data: Big Ideas – Launching a New Data Portal for Municipalities

Presenter: Jamie Ward

Download the presentation slides here

Join Jamie Ward from the Regional Analytics Lab as he shares the journey of the Big Data: Big Ideas project. This session will cover how community engagement and defining key data variables shaped the development of the new data portal. Learn how these insights will empower municipalities to use data for informed decision-making.

Outcomes:

• Become empowered to use local data to support evidence-based decision-making and community planning.
• Gain tangible skills in navigating the new online data portal, including how to access, interpret, and apply key datasets.
• Learn how community engagement shaped the process of defining key data variables and influenced the development of the new data portal.

4:00 PM – 4:25 PM
Salon BCD

Prize Draws

All municipal councillors and administrators attending the Municipal Symposium are automatically entered into the Prize Draw. To be eligible to win a prize, you must be in the room when your name is called. Prize winners are drawn at random. Thank you to our sponsors for providing the prizes.

4:30 PM – 5:25 PM
Theatre

Women & Gender-Diverse Folks Networking Session

Women and gender-diverse folks, join the members of MNL’s Women and Gender Equity Committee for a casual networking hour to discuss shared experiences and how MNL can support Women and Gender-Diverse Folks in the municipal sector. 

5:30 PM – 6:25 PM
Theatre

Youth Networking Session

MNL members under the age of 35, meet municipal sector colleagues and members of MNL’s Youth Committee during this informal networking hour to discuss shared experiences and how MNL can support youth in the municipal sector.

Saturday, May 3

8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Salon BCD

Coffee and Tea Service – Provided by Steele Hotels

Join us in the Salons on the Mezzanine level for networking and coffee and tea. Say hello to old friends and new connections at this causal start to the day.

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Salon A

Small Towns Caucus

Download the Raising the Roof presentation slides here

Download the Ridegell cyber security presentation slides here

The Small Towns caucus meeting is open to MNL members from municipalities with populations less than 3,000. The meeting will include a roundtable discussion with members as well as a short presentation on Conditions for Success in Affordable Housing Development by John Bell of Raising the Roof. Jason Budgell of Ridegell Consulitng will present on cybersecurity.

In this session, we will be exploring conditions for success in creating new units of affordable housing in the community that truly help people exit homelessness and achieve housing stability. John Bell, Resource Development Manager at Raising the Roof, will highlight municipal policies and partnerships that have contributed to Raising the Roof successfully completing and operating 69 new purpose-built affordable rental units with supports in urban, rural and secondary municipalities. Case studies in different types of affordable housing developed by Raising the Roof including commercial to residential conversion, preservation of scattered site and multi-unit buildings, adding gentle density through secondary suites, new construction, and derelict building renovation to restore units back to the market.

Main takeaways:

• Important factors to keep in mind when encouraging affordable housing development
• Ways to access additional land to develop new units of affordable housing
• Models of non-profit/municipal partnerships that result in additional units of affordable housing being created and preserved
• Action items for consideration to help prevent and end homelessness in your community

Outcomes:

• Gain insights into the appeal process, including deadlines, fees, and refund conditions and recognize the significance of accurate reporting for annual roll maintenance, including supplemental requests.
• Gain familiarity with the Client Portal Project and its role in streamlining communication and information sharing.
• Explore the technological tools utilized to create efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in property assessments.

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Theatre

Urban Municipalities Caucus

Download the Raising the Roof presentation slides here

Download the Ridegell cyber security presentation slides here

The Urban Municipalities caucus meeting is open to MNL members from municipalities with populations more than 3,000. The meeting will include a roundtable discussion with members as well as a short presentation on Conditions for Success in Affordable Housing Development by John Bell of Raising the Roof. Jason Budgell of Ridegell Consulting will present on cybersecurity.

In this session, we will be exploring conditions for success in creating new units of affordable housing in the community that truly help people exit homelessness and achieve housing stability. John Bell, Resource Development Manager at Raising the Roof, will highlight municipal policies and partnerships that have contributed to Raising the Roof successfully completing and operating 69 new purpose-built affordable rental units with supports in urban, rural and secondary municipalities. Case studies in different types of affordable housing developed by Raising the Roof including commercial to residential conversion, preservation of scattered site and multi-unit buildings, adding gentle density through secondary suites, new construction, and derelict building renovation to restore units back to the market.

Main takeaways:

• Important factors to keep in mind when encouraging affordable housing development
• Ways to access additional land to develop new units of affordable housing
• Models of non-profit/municipal partnerships that result in additional units of affordable housing being created and preserved
• Action items for consideration to help prevent and end homelessness in your community

10:30 AM – 10:55 AM
Salon A

Advocacy in Action

Presenter: Rob Nolan, Alexis Foster

Download the presentation files here

Updates on MNL’s 2024 resolutions and 2025 Advocacy Days, highlighting issues of importance to municipalities including wastewater, WSER, and more.

Outcomes:

• Hear updates on MNL’s six strategic advocacy priorities
• Learn of progress and outcomes of advocacy associated with AGM resolutions.
• Become empowered to engage in ongoing advocacy campaigns to the Federal and Provincial Governments.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Salon A

2025 Municipal Elections

Presenter: Deatra Walsh

Download the presentation files here

An overview of the 2025 Make Your Mark campaign, and how MNL can support your elections process this fall.

Outcomes:

• Discuss the challenges and benefits to running for municipal office
• Gain tools to encourage and mentor other local leaders to participate in municipal governance.
• Obtain insight into how to make municipal elections more accessible, including how to implement the vote-by-mail option.

– End –