Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe and City of Barrie win national collaboration award (CAMA)

The Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe and City of Barrie, ON have received national recognition from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for their Growing & Leading Together programs. The communities were presented with the 2025 CAMA Collaboration Award, during an awards ceremony held at CAMA’s national conference in Mont Tremblant, QC.

“CAMA is pleased to recognize the Town of Innisfil, the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie and for the collaboration demonstrated by their leadership event and mentorship program,” said Tony Kulbisky, CAMA President, CAMA Representative for Alberta and CAO for Westlock County, AB. “Working across communities, located near one another, to deliver a leadership and mentorship program, is a great move of collaboration. Congratulations to those involved.”

The Town of Innisfil proposed a partnership with the County of Simcoe and City of Barrie, which has since been expanded to other municipalities in the region, to collaborate on a leadership event and a mentorship program. This was a unique opportunity to build a supportive and mutually beneficial relationship with others, regardless of organization. 

By introducing and collaborating on a mentorship program, the partners have been able to facilitate connections between organizations and employees. This has helped them embrace their skills and boost career development. An added benefit is greater opportunities to create synergies between the organizations and efficiency in work processes.

In November 2024, for the third consecutive year, the partners led a weeklong leadership event called Leading Together. This event included over 250 leaders from across Simcoe County and was designed to address the extraordinary conditions leaders are navigating today. 

Leaders across various municipalities in Simcoe County owned their own development by selecting the working session(s) of their choice and had the opportunity to network with leaders beyond borders.

Although many municipal organizations have implemented leadership and mentorship programs, the Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe, and City of Barrie used innovation and creativity to develop a customized program that expands to many organizations resulting in cost-savings in training and development for organizations.

“Our approach is anything but traditional,” said Francesca Figliuzzi, Director of People & Talent, Town of Innisfil.  “We pride ourselves on being municipal leaders in learning and ‘thinking like there is no box’ instead of ‘thinking outside the box’.  We continue to be excited to play in a space that isn’t typical for municipal government, and work together to create amazing learning experiences for employees across the County—not siloed within just one municipality.”

“This is a tremendous honour, and we thank CAMA for recognizing our collective innovation and collaboration,” said Nicole Abofs, Manager of People and Organizational Development, County of Simcoe. “Through this partnership, we’re not only finding efficiencies, but we’re sharing broader knowledge, ideas and best practices which benefit our municipalities, other organizations and residents.”

 "Receiving this award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators is a profound honor,” said Christine Gianino, Director of Human Resources, City of Barrie. “This recognition highlights the incredible collaboration between our municipalities that made this event possible. Leading Together is more than just a conference—it is a catalyst for connection, growth, and purpose. This award underscores the power of our partnership and our shared dedication to achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness in serving our communities."

“CAMA’s Awards of Excellence Program celebrates the best in local government and recognizes the professional municipal administration needed to deliver creative and successful programs, projects or services,” said Bev Hendry, Chair of the 2025 CAMA Awards Committee and CAMA Past President. “Each year we are amazed at the calibre of submissions received. Congratulations to the winners and everyone who submitted an entry.”

A total of 54 submissions were received for this year’s awards program. To find out more about each award, and to see a video outlining each project, visit camacam.ca/awards and look for the award recipients’ link.

About the CAMA Collaboration Award

The Collaboration Award of Excellence recognizes an exemplary partnership of an innovative, collaborative initiative where the outcome has demonstrated mutual benefits to all partners.  This collaboration must result in one or more of the following outcomes:  a significant improvement in service to both partners; developed new or improved processes and improved the quality of life for residents.

This award recognizes the contribution among a CAMA member municipality with other municipalities / communities or with external organizations and is not based on population.  This team effort may have been through an informal agreement or a more formal legal structure.  Nominations from both urban and rural municipalities are encouraged and should focus on the project and its implementation, not on individual's qualities.

About CAMA

The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) is a national, non-profit association open to all Chief Administrative Officers / City Managers and any person employed in a senior management position that reports directly to a CAO. With a membership of 700 senior municipal employees from all parts of Canada, CAMA collectively represents more than 85% of the nation’s population. camacam.ca

About Innisfil

Innisfil is a growing lakeside community prized for its rural setting, high quality of life and strong local workforce. With a population over 44,000, Innisfil is strategically located next to major urban centres and connected for business. innisfil.ca

About Simcoe County

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

About Barrie

Barrie is an exciting, caring and progressive community that 164,000 people call home. Situated 90 km north of the Greater Toronto Area on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie offers an excellent lifestyle and multitude of recreational opportunities. The City is committed to the growth of prosperity of Central Ontario’s leading City and most dynamic waterfront community. Learn more at barrie.ca.