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Free online training opens for aspiring municipal leaders

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting a free online workshop for young adults looking to get into local politics.

Steam 2 of the AMO’s Strong Leaders, Stronger Communities is targeted towards potential candidates who want to build confidence before launching their first campaign. The AMO says the workshop will help potential candidates learn clarity of purpose, resilience in conflict, and networking skills.

“As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, elected officials and aspiring candidates are being tested like never before,” the AMO wrote on their website. “From navigating divisive politics and social media toxicity to maintaining personal wellbeing under constant public scrutiny, the demands of leadership can feel overwhelming. Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet these challenges head-on, and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.”

There are four streams planned from March to May. The first is scheduled for March 10 at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Each stream has four sessions (you can register for the full stream or individual sessions):

  • Session 1: Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
  • Session 2: Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships
  • Session 3: What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Session 4: Building Your Movement – Turning Values into Action

This workshop series is offered through AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project.

Click here to register.

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Audio/Video: Local Educational Push To Support Bees

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A Dryden beekeeper is making a buzz about the important role bees play in our daily lives.

Reagan Breeze has launched a public awareness campaign that will include educational sessions with local organizations and elected officials.

Breeze was a guest on the CKDR Morning Show Wednesday and he is hoping to see some changes to municipal laws for next year to help the bee population flourish.

“We have a by-law. Our grass can only be about 20cm in length. What I have set for is, I would like to have for next year, for May and June which is pretty vital seasons for the honey bees, bumble bees and pollinators, to have a sign in your front yard saying you want to support bees. So that you’ll be able to grow your lawn to a substantial amount just so that the flowers, that are so vital at the very beginning of spring, allow them, the pollinator, to actually get a bee.”

Breeze says he is hopeful municipal officials change the by-law on property standards.

“Through the month of May and June, if this goes forward, we’re hoping our elected officials will support this, your lawns will be able to grow where dandelions, clover, the double paintbrush will be able to grow. Those are natural species of plants that support us.”

Breeze has created signs stating “Excuse me. I’m allowing my weeds to grow so the bees will show.”

He has posted several videos and stories on social media on the importance of bees and he’s asking people to share that information.

Reagan Breeze has been in the bee and honey business for about 20 years.

You can hear more about his campaign, the importance of bees, misconceptions and other facts by visiting the Audio link below.

Reagan Breeze also shared some video on his expertise: