Item - 2026.EX32.13

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the 2026 Good Roads Conference March 29 – April 1, 2026, meeting update outlined in the letter (June 2, 2026) from Councillor Paul Ainslie for information.

I am pleased to provide an update following my participation in the Good Roads 2026 Conference, a key annual forum that brings together municipal leaders, infrastructure experts, and industry partners from across Ontario.

The Good Roads Conference continues to serve as one of the most significant gatherings focused on municipal transportation and infrastructure. It offers a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss policy priorities, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges facing municipalities.

This year’s sessions reinforced the importance of:

- Sustained infrastructure investment to support growing communities
- Advancing state of good repair and asset management practices
- Strengthening road safety and climate resilience strategies
- Leveraging innovation and emerging technologies in municipal operations
 

Participation in these discussions ensures that Toronto remains aligned with best practices and continues to lead in building safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems.

The 2026 conference featured a strong program of:

- Educational sessions and panel discussions on infrastructure funding, maintenance, and innovation
- Keynote presentations addressing the future of municipal transportation
- An extensive exhibitor showcase highlighting the latest equipment, technologies, and services available to municipalities
 

I am honoured to share that during the conference; I was named President of the Good Roads Association. I look forward to serving in this role and working collaboratively with municipal partners across Ontario to:

- Advocate for sustainable and predictable infrastructure funding
- Support municipalities in addressing their transportation and asset management priorities
- Strengthen the collective voice of municipalities on key issues impacting our communities
 

This role presents an important opportunity to ensure that Toronto’s perspectives and priorities contribute to shaping infrastructure policy and advocacy efforts across the province.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing President, Mayor Cheryl Fort of the Township of Hornepayne for her leadership, dedication and significant strides she made for the association.

The Good Roads 2026 Conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in maintaining and enhancing our transportation networks. I look forward to continuing this work both locally and provincially in my new capacity.

The 2027 Good Roads Conference will be held on April 4-7 Conference - Good Roads.