SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG Counties) participated in the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, meeting directly with provincial ministers and senior government officials to advance key priorities for local residents and communities.
Throughout the conference, SDG Counties representatives held a series of productive discussions focused on education, health care, long-term care infrastructure, and municipal infrastructure investment.
A key priority for SDG Counties was rural education. During meetings with provincial representatives, SDG Counties advocated for increased support and improved access to educational opportunities for rural students in our region and across Ontario.
In partnership with the City of Cornwall, SDG Counties also met with officials from the Ministry of Long-Term Care to discuss funding opportunities for capital improvements at Glen-Stor-Dun Lodge. The delegation emphasized the importance of continued investment in long-term care infrastructure to support residents and staff while ensuring the facility can meet future needs.
Health care access was another significant focus. Working alongside the Township of North Dundas and Winchester District Memorial Hospital, SDG Counties met with provincial officials to discuss operational funding, staffing supports, and resources needed for a new MRI machine at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. The MRI unit was made possible through the extraordinary efforts of local volunteers and community fundraising.
SDG Counties also partnered with the Township of North Glengarry in discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure regarding funding support for the reconstruction of Main Street in Alexandria, a project viewed as critical to the community's long-term economic development and revitalization.
"The AMO Conference provides an invaluable opportunity to bring local priorities directly to provincial decision-makers," said SDG Counties Warden François Landry. "Our meetings were positive, productive, and demonstrated a shared commitment to finding solutions that support rural communities, strengthen local infrastructure, and improve services for residents."
SDG Counties remains committed to working collaboratively with municipal, provincial, and community partners to advance initiatives that support economic growth, enhance public services, and improve quality of life throughout the region.
"Having meaningful face-to-face discussions with ministers and senior provincial staff helps ensure the unique needs of SDG Counties remain front and centre," said SDG Counties CAO Jamie Fawthrop. "These conversations allow us to build strong relationships, showcase the importance of our projects, and advocate effectively for investments that will benefit our communities for years to come."