Cross Border Network

This week, we’re talking about the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention — one of the biggest events on the municipal calendar, where local leaders from across the country come together to debate policy, share ideas, and build relationships.

But beyond the speeches and resolutions, what actually makes for a successful FCM experience? What should first-time delegates know before they arrive? And how important are the conversations happening outside the formal sessions — in workshops, caucus meetings, study tours, and even over coffee?

Joining us for the roundtable are two people with extensive municipal leadership experience - and the co-authors of the Unofficial FCM Code: A Delegate’s Guide to Doing it Right — former FCM President and Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville, and Mayor of Aurora Tom Mrakas.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/sr5iT4SO28Y
Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I
Spotify: https://youtu.be/cQXBExZtfTM
Municipal Affairs is Part of the Cross Border Network.
©2026

How To Get The Most Out Of The FCM Convention This week, we’re talking about the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention — one of the biggest events on the municipal calendar, where local leader...

Today on MuniCast, a new partnership that SUMA has been involved with, called Cities4Cities , which has been supporting the establishment and development of municipal partnerships between Ukraine and partners worldwide.��

In this episode we chat with Bogdan Kelichavyi, a mayor in Ukraine, Mariya Tuzyk, Cities4Cities International & Local Governance Expert, and SUMA CEO Jean Marc Nadeau.

Listen to the Show:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/JhidGE9q5gE
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network
©2026

S10:E08 Cities4Cities: Exploring Ukrainian Municipalities Today on MuniCast, a new partnership that SUMA has been involved wi...

We're heading to Edmonton for this year's FCM Convention. We'll have a limited number of copies of One Year with us. If you'd like to pick one up, stop by and say hello. If you've already ordered a copy for pickup at FCM, come find us and grab your book. We look forward to seeing you there.

One Year: A Journey Across Municipal Affairs | Cross Border Network In 2025, one resolution changed everything. One Year: Journey into Municipal Affairs is my personal and unfiltered account of my mission to travel across the country and meet the people who quietly shape Canada’s communities: municipal leaders.

Fun Fact Tuesday:
Did you know that in 2017, Chris ran for Council in Big Lakes County, Alberta?
He finished second. Of course, some might point out that in a two-person race, that also means he finished last.
Either way, it was an experience that provided plenty of lessons, stories, and a newfound appreciation for everyone who puts their name on a ballot.

And In one last act as Councillor, A Life Full Happiness. Congratulations!

What a night — a farewell, a new beginning, and a heart full of gratitude. 🤗

Last night marked the official conclusion of my ten-year journey on Riverview Town Council, as I attended the Oath of Office ceremony and welcomed the newly elected Mayor and Council into their roles.

In a very personal and joyful moment, I asked my lovely lady to marry me last night — she said yes! 💍☺️❤️ So while one chapter of my life has officially closed, another new and exciting chapter has begun.

Serving the residents of Riverview has been one of the greatest honours of my life. When I was first elected in 2016, I already knew how much my hometown meant to me, but over the past ten years, serving our community has only deepened that love and given me memories I will always treasure. The experiences, friendships, opportunities, and personal growth that came from this journey have changed me for the better.

I was truly honoured to be elected by my Council peers twice to serve as Deputy Mayor. That trust meant a great deal to me, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to help represent our town in that capacity.

Over the past decade, I had the privilege of serving alongside dedicated Council colleagues, municipal staff, community organizations, volunteers, and residents who care deeply about our town. Together, we celebrated successes, worked through challenges, and contributed to making our already wonderful community even stronger.

Serving on various committees, boards, and liaison roles over the years also gave me a deeper appreciation for the many people and organizations working hard behind the scenes to strengthen Riverview and the greater region.

Through this work, I built meaningful connections, collaborations, and friendships across the tri-community and throughout New Brunswick. I especially valued my time with the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, where conferences, zone meetings, shared ideas, and common purpose reminded me how many dedicated people are working hard to strengthen communities across our beautiful province. I will miss those moments of connection with colleagues — and I’ll admit, I was looking forward to earning that 12-year service pin — but I will always be grateful for the time I had and the sense of togetherness that came with being part of the Union.

To the many colleagues, connections, and friends I have made over the years, please do try to stay in touch. I hope our paths continue to cross, and I would always welcome the chance to reconnect in good company and thoughtful conversation.

Of all the roles I served in, the one dearest to my heart was serving as Council Liaison to the Riverview Veterans & Armed Forces Association. I have tremendous respect for our local veterans, their families, and the important work the Association continues to do. While I can no longer support their initiatives from the municipal level, I will continue to champion our local vets. I look forward to attending the ceremony this fall marking the full restoration of the Centurion Tank in Caseley Park, and I’m proud to have played a small collaborative role alongside members of the veteran community and Town Hall in helping move this meaningful project forward.

Even with the disappointment of this chapter coming to an end, I can honestly say the rise was worth the fall. The honour of serving Riverview, the people I met, the friendships I made, and the memories I carry with me will always mean more than the outcome of one election.

I want to sincerely thank the residents of Ward 3 and Riverview for the trust you placed in me over the years. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent the town I proudly call home.

I would also like to congratulate Mayor LeBlanc and all members of the new Council. Municipal government is not always easy, and the decisions made around the Council table often involve balancing many competing priorities and perspectives. I encourage residents to give this new Council a fair opportunity to listen, learn, govern, and lead. We all share the same goal: making Riverview the best it can be.

That said, my love for Riverview has certainly not changed, and I will continue to support our town, advocate for issues important to our community, and remain engaged as a proud resident.

Going forward, I do plan to keep this page active, but in a more community-minded way. This page will continue to reflect my appreciation for Riverview, while keeping the tone respectful, constructive, and focused on the community we all care about. I may occasionally share memories, community-minded posts, and positive moments from around our town that I feel are worth celebrating.

Over the last ten years, I have taken thousands of photos throughout our community and across the tri-community, and without fully realizing it at the time, I was helping document a decade of memories, moments, and community life. I want to maintain that photo archive and continue preserving those memories in a way that honours our community.

And while this chapter has closed, I fully intend to seek public office again in the future — at any level of government — as long as my heart and my head tell me it is the right path. I still have fire in my belly to help my community prosper, and I believe I can continue making a meaningful difference.

So no, this is not goodbye — it’s see you later.

For now, I am looking forward to taking a well-deserved break, spending more quality time with the people I love, and stepping into this new and exciting next chapter with my bride-to-be by my side. ☺️

Thank you, Riverview.

It has truly been an honour.

With sincere appreciation. -Jeremy 💙

For those who know Chris, you know he has a soft spot for collecting lapel pins from municipalities he visits. Lately, though, his collection has taken a different turn. He's recently been presented with two challenge coins in recognition of his work, an honour that means a great deal and one he's proud to add to the collection.