TOWNSHIP OF SABLES-SPANISH RIVER RECEIVES RURAL INSPIRATION 2026 AT ROMA

January 24, 2026

Sables-Spanish River being recognized for its role in developing provincial policy

TORONTO – Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs presented the Township of Sables-Spanish River with the inaugural Rural Inspiration recognition 2026 at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.

“The Township of Sables-Spanish River is in many ways the impetus for ensuring our government continues to adapt, modernize and enable capacity building.  During a roundtable discussion with this municipality, I came to realize we needed to review the Ministry of Rural Affairs funding program.  As a result, the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program was introduced to better support rural municipalities and communities across province,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson Minister of Rural Affairs.

“Recognition at the inaugural Rural Inspiration 2026 event is a significant honor for Sables Spanish Rivers and reflects the pride, resilience, and strong community values that define this township. Under the leadership of Mayor Kevin Burke, the community continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared purpose. I also want to acknowledge Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, for her continued support of rural communities. This recognition reinforces what so many of us already know – rural Ontario is strong, capable, and shaping the province’s future,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP Algoma Manitoulin.

The Township of Sables-Spanish River is on the north shore of Georgian Bay is a approximately 70 kilometres west of Sudbury.  Sables-Spanish River includes Massey, Walford and Webbwood. 

“We are honoured to accept the inaugural Rural Inspiration 2026 Award on behalf of the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers,” said Mayor Kevin Burke. “This recognition reflects the strength, collaboration, and commitment of our community and reinforces the important role rural municipalities play in building a vibrant Ontario.”

Rural Inspiration 2026 was an inaugural event at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.  ROMA is held annually in Toronto. 

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For further information contact

Wallace Pidgeon

Minister’s Office

wallace.pidgeon@ontario.ca