Central Regional Meeting 2026

• Welcome, Land Acknowledgement
• Introductions 
• Mental Health Moment 
• MNL’s 2027 Central Regional Meeting location 

Grand Falls-Windsor will highlight their evolving role as Central Newfoundland’s anchor for business, innovation, and regional services. They will outline current economic development priorities, including strategic investment attraction, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the advancement of key growth sectors such as health innovation, mining, tourism, and regional retail.

Attendees will hear how the community is leveraging new partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development initiatives to strengthen competitiveness and create long-term economic resilience. The spotlight will also emphasize collaborative regional planning and the town’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, future-ready economy that benefits residents, businesses, and the whole of the Exploits region. 

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

Frank Butler, Chief Procurement Officer with the Public Procurement Agency, will provide an overview of common compliance issues and introduce new supports to help public bodies achieve best value and audit compliance. 

This presentation will provide 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. 

A discussion on the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) and its subcomponent, the Provincial Targeted Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), 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 Fahlon Drake (Department of Municipal and Community Affairs). 

MNL’s has launched a new program called Regional Prosperity Partnership which focuses on regional economic development. MNL’s Regional Economic Development Facilitator Bojan Fürst will present on the goals of the program and share examples of projects and initiatives already underway. 

CBDC will provide an overview of its services and how it can support municipalities with economic development, one small business at a time. 

Presented by Dexter Fewer, Executive Director, CBDC Central. 

Over the past two years, MNL’s housing program has helped municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador move from conversation to action. In this session we will examine what worked in your community, what didn’t, where momentum stalled, and where opportunity still exists.

Together, we’ll define how MNL can continue to support you in tackling your housing challenges.

Presented by the MNL team. 

Visit the beautiful Grand Falls House property for an evening of live entertainment, chef-prepared finger foods, and an opportunity to step back in time as you are taken on a guided tour of this historic 1909 property. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and entertainment with a unique glimpse into this historic landmark. 

• Welcome and introductions 
• Mental Health Moment 

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, MNL Tomorrow’s Towns Program Coordinator. 

This time is dedicated to a roundtable discussion among colleagues, exploring the main challenges being experienced in your communities. Consider these questions in advance: How can MNL support your community in 2026? What is your community’s top challenge right now? What are the key operational issues in your community today? What are the key governance issues facing your council?  

MNL’s Financial Management Support Program Coordinator Kim Noseworthy will provide elected officials with an overview of their governance responsibilities in preventing and identifying fraud within their municipalities. Topics will include common fraud risks, warning signs, internal controls, financial oversight, and best practices for promoting accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of public funds in accordance with the principles of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act. 

MNL staff will provide updates of MNL’s 2026 activities, review key discussions and challenges noted by municipalities, and recap key action items.