Workshops

Canada’s municipal leaders are focused on delivering the local solutions, investments and innovations needed to directly improve the quality of life of their residents. FCM's Annual Conference and Trade Show will feature a broad selection of thoughtfully curated workshops, providing you with the tools and insights you need to deliver results in your community and support a better country for all.

Please note all workshops will provide simultaneous interpretation.

Wednesday June 3

Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film About Genuinely Affordable Housing

Presented by Dream
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join us for FCM's inaugural AC movie night for a screening of Dr. Brian Doucet's documentary Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film About Genuinely Affordable Housing. This film takes you across Canada to learn about policies, programs and projects that are having a positive impact on addressing the housing crisis. Featuring interviews with more than 30 planners, policymakers, politicians, developers, residents and housing advocates, the film inspires and challenges us to think about both the root causes of the housing crisis and transformative solutions. A Q&A with the filmmaker will follow the screening.

Speaker
Dr. Brian Doucet – Associate Professor, School of Planning, University of Waterloo

Thursday June 4

Addressing homelessness in your community: The Empathy Project

Presented by CN
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
An experiential learning exercise, designed and led by people with lived experience of homelessness, this session will make social policy accessible and digestible. Participants will be assigned a fictional but realistic case study representing a pathway through the housing and homelessness system. Following the simulation, participants will be guided through a facilitated discussion designed to help them connect these experiences to tangible action they can take in their communities. Space is limited and participation will be on a first come, first served basis.

Moderator
Kaite Burkholder Harris – Executive Director, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

Speakers
Sophia Kelly–Langer –  Education and Training Manager, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa
Karen Umurerwa – Community Liaison, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

From risk to resilience: Planning your next step in climate adaptation

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Municipalities across Canada are grappling with climate risks that are increasing in severity and frequency. This session showcases how local leaders are advancing meaningful climate adaptation in communities of all sizes, highlighting the urgency to act and the opportunities created by proactive, equitable actions. Participants will leave with new connections and practical tools to support them in taking the next step in their climate adaptation journey.

Moderator
Geneviève Thouin – Director, Adaptation Programs, Green Municipal Fund

Speakers
Richard Ireland – Mayor, City of Jasper
Ryan Ness – Research Director, Adaptation, Canadian Climate Institute
Duane Nicol – Chief Administrative Officer, City of Selkirk

Collective Luncheon: Why domestic food systems matter to our communities and Canada’s future (R)

Presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada and Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Shoring up domestic food production is not only the key to maintaining reliable access to an affordable, nutritious food supply, it is also critical in ensuring resilient municipal economies and bolstering our national security. Join us for a discussion exploring the role of domestic farming—producing food in Canada, for Canadians—in driving both urban and rural economic growth, supporting employment and nurturing community wellbeing. The session will also highlight vulnerabilities in our food system and how collaborative efforts between municipal leaders and the agricultural sector can deliver stronger outcomes for your constituents and our country as a whole.

Addressing homelessness in your community: The Empathy Project (F)

Presented by CN
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
An experiential learning exercise, designed and led by people with lived experience of homelessness, this session will make social policy accessible and digestible. Participants will be assigned a fictional but realistic case study representing a pathway through the housing and homelessness system. Following the simulation, participants will be guided through a facilitated discussion designed to help them connect these experiences to tangible action they can take in their communities. Space is limited and participation will be on a first come, first served basis.

Moderator
Kaite Burkholder Harris – Executive Director, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

Speakers
Sophia Kelly–Langer – Education and Training Manager, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa
Karen Umurerwa – Community Liaison, Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

Building the future: Equity & inclusion as engines of growth, resilience and nation-building (I)

Presented by the City of Edmonton
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Municipalities play a critical role in nation building. Equity and inclusion are critical to their success. This session frames Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion (AREI) as a strategic economic driver and a critical tool for sustainable community development. Through practical examples, municipal success stories and peer-to-peer dialogue, participants will explore how embedding equity and inclusion into decision-making strengthens local economies, supports long-term resilience, and helps communities thrive. The workshop will also feature the launch of a new municipal guide to support the development of equity and inclusion plans, offering key strategies and ideas that leaders can take back to their councils and organizations.

Moderator
Titi Eluwa – Lead, Equity and Inclusion Research and Evaluation, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Speakers
Dr. Caitlin Downie – Associate Dean Academic Upgrading and Global Access, Keyano College
John Norman – Mayor, Town of Bonavista
Chelsea Steenbock – Director Indigenous Relations, City of Edmonton

Winning the investment: How to structure policies that build destinations

Presented by Destination Canada
13:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Is your community "Investment Ready"? Attracting tourism assets requires aligning municipal policy with investor needs. Join Destination Canada and JLL for this interactive skills-building workshop. This workshop will examine real-world case studies to identify specific incentives that secure private capital. Learn how to craft an investment prospectus, utilize non-monetary levers like expedited permitting, and de-risk projects. Participants will leave this session with the practical tools needed to facilitate tourism growth, ensure community benefit, and close the deal.

Speakers
Scott Beck – Lead for Resilient and Sustainable Communities, JLL
Dan Fenton – Director of Global Tourism, JLL

Regional members meetings 

4 to 5 p.m.
All FCM members are encouraged to attend their Regional Members Meeting. This one‑hour session provides an update on FCM’s advocacy and policy work over the past year, with a focus on the issues and priorities most relevant to your region. Attendees will hear directly from FCM Board members about recent advocacy efforts, ongoing priorities, and key initiatives, and will have the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on the federal actions and investments that would make the biggest difference for their communities.

Five Regional Members Meetings will take place concurrently: 

• British Columbia: Salon 4 

• Ontario: Salon 8  

• Quebec: Salon 5/6 (English/French simultaneous interpretation available) 

• Atlantic: Salon 9/10  (English/French simultaneous interpretation available) 

• Prairies and Territories: Salon 11/12 (English/Inuktitut simultaneous interpretation available) 

Friday June 5

Lunch and Learn: Legal update on case law and legislation

Presented by Lidstone & Company    
12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
This workshop will dive into the most significant recent cases shaping local governments decision-making all while unpacking legislative and regulatory developments that matter to them. Participants will gain practical insights and clear guidance based on the latest legal updates, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle emerging challenges with confidence and clarity.

Speaker
Don Lidstone, K.C. – Senior Partner, Lidstone & Company

Municipal Den

1:30 to 3 p.m.
Join some of Canada's leading innovators and municipalities as they present their groundbreaking ideas to enhance municipal services. In this interactive session, presenters will have five minutes to captivate the audience and ignite enthusiasm for their project, service or big idea. The event aims to foster collaboration, inspire action and propel Canadian communities forward.

Sessions and speakers:

• Building the conditions for better projects: How municipal leadership unlocks stronger partnerships and smarter infrastructure
  • John Gamble – President and CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
• The positive impact of rail transportation in Canada
  • Ian Hodkinson – Technical and Business Development Director, Transit Systems, Alstom
• The next municipal crisis won't be physical
  • Tim Brien – Director of Sales, Canadian Internet Registration Authority
• Co–design in community energy: Why municipal voice matters
  • Ryan Osterberg — Associate Director, Community and Government Relations, Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET), University of Victoria
• Best practices for segmental concrete pavement
  • Robert Bowers – Vice–President, Engineering – Hardscapes, Concrete Masonry Hardscapes Association
• Conservation pro: Delivering nature–based solutions for water and land management
  • Nicholson Jeke – National Sustainability Solutions Lead – Green Infrastructure, Ducks Unlimited Canada
• Turning housing growth into smarter infrastructure decisions
  • Nader Shureih – Senior Vice President, Public Sector, Environics Analytics
• Municipally–run grocery store pilot
  • Anthony Perruzza – Councillor, City of Toronto
• Public libraries and their social impact
  • Sharon Day – Executive Director, Customer Experience, Edmonton Public Library
• City of Dawson’s heritage bylaw and heritage management plan
  • Stephen Johnson — Mayor, City of Dawson
• Not all data centres are built alike
  • Marvin Plett – Councillor, City of Winkler
• Getting to yes: How municipal collaboration unlocks investment
  • Mark Plamondon – Executive Director, Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association
• Generation Park: Leading the shift to zero–carbon industry
  • Dorothy McCabe – Mayor, City of Waterloo
• Charlottetown’s post–hurricane restoration
  • Alanna Jankov – Deputy Mayor, City of Charlottetown
• Village Transitiôn
  • Sonia Ben–Afra – Councillor, City of Gatineau

Accelerating impact: Municipal solutions to unlock housing now

Presented by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Discover practical municipal strategies that are accelerating housing supply across Canadian communities. This workshop highlights tangible examples that are helping local governments unlock new homes faster. Participants will hear from peers on actionable tools and lessons learned to bring back to their own communities. Ideal for municipal leaders, policymakers, planners, and housing leaders driving immediate, on‑the‑ground change.

Moderator
Dr. Brian Doucet – Associate Professor, School of Planning, University of Waterloo

Speakers
Ben Hendriksen – Mayor, City of Yellowknife
Stuart Kehrig – Acting Director, Housing Action Team, City of Edmonton
Sarah McInnis – Councillor, City of Humboldt
Bernard Thériault – Mayor, Town of Caraquet
Chris Woodcock – Director of Client Development and Government Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Addressing anti-government hate and harassment in times of global crisis

Presented by Strong Cities Network
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Spurred by rising anti-government and anti-establishment sentiments coupled with global spikes in extremism and intolerance, local officials across Canada increasingly find themselves the target of hate and violence often preventing them from performing their duties and discouraging others choosing a career in local government. Strong Cities will facilitate an interactive workshop to share best practices for addressing these challenges and for FCM members to share and learn from each other.

Moderators
Charlie Clark – Former Mayor of Saskatoon and Strong Cities Mayoral Advisor
Eric Rosand – Executive Director, Strong Cities Network

Speakers
Owen Foster – Canada Coordinator, North America Regional Hub, Strong Cities Network
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, P.C.

Future-proofing communities: Prioritize your investments in flood and wildfire prevention (R) (N) (I)

Presented by Intact Financial Corporation 
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Municipal leaders play a vital role in preparing communities for rising flood and wildfire risks, even as limited resources and competing priorities make preventative action challenging. In this session, experts will share new Canadian polling data on public attitudes toward climate resilience and offer clear, practical guidance that supports municipal planning and investment decisions. Participants will leave with actionable tools to assess hazards, prioritize resilience investments, and benchmark progress in managing flood and wildfire risks—helping communities strengthen their resilience today and into the future.

Moderator
Ravi Mahabir - Vice President, Climate, Intact Financial Corporation

Speakers
Kathryn Bakos - Managing Director, Climate Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (University of Waterloo)
Ian Newman - Client Solutions Executive, On Side Restoration

AI in action: Real world wins for municipal service delivery

Presented by WSP
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Municipalities in Canada are already putting AI to work—streamlining industrial and operational processes, improving day to day service delivery, and accelerating new home construction. In this workshop, participants will explore practical, real-world examples of machine learning in municipal contexts and leave with a clear picture of what AI is (and isn’t), what’s possible today, and what needs to be true for municipalities of all sizes to follow suit.

Moderator
Nafisa Bowen, CFRE – Director, Sponsorship, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute

Speakers
Kris Andreychuk – Acting Director, Business Intelligence and Analytics Financial and Corporate Services, City of Edmonton
Jazz Pabla – Chief Information Officer, WSP Canada
Adam White – Fellow, CSO and Co–Founder, AMii RL Core

Building Canada’s future: Infrastructure, housing and economic insights

Presented by Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hear from diverse lineup of speakers as they explore what it takes to build tomorrow's communities today. This panel will dig into how municipal leaders can strengthen collaboration with industry partners, private finance, other orders of government and their own staff to accelerate community building. Together, they’ll unpack popular topics and share proactive solutions for today's challenges when it comes to building, maintaining, and paying for the local infrastructure that keeps communities running.

Moderator
Rowena Santos – Councillor, City of Brampton

Speakers
John Gamble – President and CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
Rodrigue Gilbert – President, Canadian Construction Association
Doug Griffiths – President and CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
Paul Lanni – President and CEO, Averton Group of Companies

Leading our way out of incivility: tools and advice for effective local governance

Presented by MNP
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
There is no magic solution to resolve the incivility currently experienced in local governments. To fix it requires leadership at all levels, deliberate and disciplined use of tools and practices and a concerted, sustained effort. Hear from George Cuff, municipal governance consultant and former FCM President, Brenda Orchard, President of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and experienced CAO, and seasoned municipal leaders. Together, they’ll share candid tales from the trenches and unpack what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons every leader can carry forward. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from their experience, pick up tools and advice on how to lead through and out of incivility, with actionable steps you and your colleagues can bring back to your teams and put to work immediately.

Moderator
James Richardson, MBA, CMC – Partner, MNP Consulting

Speakers
Senator Dawn Arnold – Former Mayor, City of Moncton
George Cuff, FCMC – George Cuff and Associates
Brenda Orchard – President, Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and Chief Administrative Officer, Lennox & Addington County

Making municipalities work for women

Presented by Interac
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Municipalities shape women’s access to services, safety in public spaces, and participation in leadership, yet municipal systems are not neutral. If municipalities were designed with women in mind from the start, what would be different? Presenters will highlight practical, actionable solutions that municipalities of all sizes can implement, while also unpacking the systemic barriers women face, viewed through three lenses: financial systems, physical design, and institutional culture. Participants will leave with concrete steps they can champion to make their communities more inclusive and responsive to women.

Moderator
Titi Eluwa – Lead, Equity and Inclusion Research and Evaluation, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Speakers
Gabrielle Blatz – Provincial Women's Representative, Otipemisiwak Mètis Government in Alberta
Stephanie McNeely, P.Eng. – Associate Principal, ARUP
Kelly Sullivan – Business Development Lead, Interac Corp.

Saturday June 6

Delivering better water and wastewater services in your community 

Presented by CSA Group
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Communities of all sizes are growing across Canada and yet, the infrastructure deficits continues to grow. As new and often denser housing is build, communities are grappling with how to provide a high quality of service standards from their water and wastewater, community recreation, and transportation infrastructure. In this session, hear from experts, municipal leaders, and asset managers on how strong service delivery, effective asset management, and operational efficiencies can help your community get the most value from every infrastructure dollar.

How to pay for growth: Alternatives to property taxes and development charges

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
As housing demand accelerates, municipalities are rethinking how to finance the infrastructure required to support growth without being overly dependent on development charges or the existing property tax base. This workshop will explore practical alternatives, including municipal bonds, diversified revenue tools and private capital opportunities. Drawing on expert insights from federal partners, financial institutions and FCM’s own staff, panellists will discuss implementable solutions that can help communities sustainably pay for growth.

Moderator
Matthew Pelletier – Policy and Data Advisor, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Speakers
Alex Ryan – Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Myha Truong – Regan – Associate Director, Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Tsering Yangki – Executive Vice President, Real Estate Finance & Development, Dream CA

How satellite technology is advancing cellular and internet connectivity for rural communities, and enabling enhanced safety for government employees and remote solutions for critical infrastructure management (R) (N)

Presented by Rogers Communications
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Rogers Satellite, which provides three times more coverage than any other provider, and leading connectivity to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, while empowering government and business with the solutions they need for enhanced emergency services, and Internet of Things products and services for connected transportation, asset tracking, and automated monitoring for essential infrastructure.

Own your story: social media strategies for municipal elected officials (F)

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Discover how municipal elected officials can use social media to strengthen public trust, demystify how municipalities work and share their story with authenticity. Featuring practical tips, lessons learned, and inspiring case studies, this workshop will equip participants with the tools to build an effective, genuine approach they can bring back to their community. Participants will leave feeling inspired and ready to transform their online presence where it matters most—at home.

Moderator
Andréanne Baribeau – Manager, Multimedia, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Speakers
Michelle Boileau – Mayor, City of Timmins
Louis–Philippe Bouliane – Senior Consultant, Fernández relations publiques
Amélie–Anne Gauthier – Acting Director, Communications Department, City of Dieppe

Immigration restrictions: The ripple effects on local communities and economies

Presented by Canadian Union of Public Employees
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The federal government has made dramatic cuts to immigration and student visas in the last 2 years. These cuts have had a direct negative impact on municipalities, particularly in smaller communities where there have been layoffs and program closures at post-secondary institutions, as well as in long-term care, health care and the service industries, where immigrants have historically been the backbone of these low-wage, essential services. This session will discuss the impacts of recent immigration cuts on municipalities and present alternatives for future policy.

Moderator
Aditya Rao – Director, Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre

Speakers
Alphonse Ahola – Executive Director, Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle
Victoria Flores – Councillor, City of Regina
Maita Santiago – Councillor, City of Burnaby

International municipal cooperation as a driver of inclusive climate resilience and economic opportunity

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Climate action is not only environmental, it shapes the social and economic future of municipalities. This session explores how inclusive, gender-responsive climate initiatives can strengthen infrastructure, reduce risk and generate local economic opportunities. Drawing on municipal partnerships in Tunisia, Viet Nam, Zambia, and Canada, speakers will highlight practical approaches such as nature-based solutions, climate-smart asset management and inclusive solid waste systems. Participants will see how climate action can advance resilient infrastructure, inclusive governance and emerging green economic opportunities.

Moderator
Gaby Senay – Director, International Programs, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Speakers
Estella Phiri – District Community Development Officer, Kasama Town Council, Zambia
Khoa Dinh Tu – Vice Chair of the People's Committee of My Tho Ward, Dong Thap Province, Viet Nam
Louise Wallace Richmond – Councillor, City of Salmon Arm
Mondher Ben Haj Mohamed – General Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs, Tunisian Ministry of Environment

Municipal systems at the core of climate competitiveness: Investing for resilience, growth and GHG reduction

Presented by Addenda Capital & Co-operators
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.    
Energy, transportation, water, building, and natural infrastructure systems sit at the front line of Canada’s climate competitiveness, where climate impacts are felt first and economic performance is determined. This session explores how targeted investment in municipal-scale climate solutions can simultaneously advance greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience and long-term economic value. Drawing on real-world Canadian examples, this workshop will examine opportunities across low-carbon infrastructure, climate-resilient assets and enabling services that lower household costs, reduce risk, protect insurability, improve municipal balance sheets and provide strong investment opportunities. Let’s reframe municipalities not as passive implementers of climate policy, but as critical platforms for investable, scalable climate outcomes.

Moderator
Geneviève Thouin – Director, Adaptation Programs, Green Municipal Fund

Speaker
Don Iveson – Executive Advisor, Climate Investment and Community Resilience, Co–operators
Brittany Merrifield – Mayor, Town of Grand Bay–Westfield
David Mitchell – Mayor, Town of Bridgewater

Urban Reserves & Additions to Reserve: Partnerships in practice (I)

Presented by National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.    
Urban Reserves and Additions to Reserve (UR/ATR) are creating new opportunities for economic growth, intergovernmental collaboration and community development across Canada. This session provides a practical overview of the UR/ATR process, outlines the benefits for First Nations and neighbouring municipalities and clarifies the important role municipalities play in supporting successful outcomes. Participants will explore how municipal service agreements help define responsibilities, ensure cost recovery and build strong, lasting Nation–municipality partnerships.

Speaker
Sean Thompson – Additions to Reserve (ATR) Program Specialist, National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association