Casselman wants to host 2011 AFMO conference

The village of Casselman is hoping it will be fortunate enough to host the 2011 L'Association française des municipalités de l'Ontario (AFMO) conference, but notes it may need help from the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) to do so.

At the September meeting of counties council, regional mayors discussed a letter from the village, looking for the counties' support.

The letter noted that 2011 would be the perfect year to host the conference, since it would take place from September 14 to 16, only one week before the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Farm Machinery Show.

Alfred-Plantagenet Mayor and AFMO vice-president Jean-Yves Lalonde said the conference is typically held in northern Ontario.

"We feel it's time that the conference visited another region," he commented. "I think Casselman would be a perfect location. The village will also be celebrating its 125th anniversary at the same time."

Casselman Mayor and counties warden Conrad Lamadeleine said the village might need the counties' technical and professional help in order to pull it all off.

"I am not certain of the specifics at this time, but I would like to think we could count on your help and support if we should require it," Lamadeleine said.

Counties chief administrative officer (CAO) Stéphane Parisien said his team will be "very busy" because of the IPM and he would like to have more details before he commits any of his staff to the conference.

"I would appreciate having more information before we commit to anything," he commented. "At this time, we can support having the conference in Casselman and once we have more information, we can go from there."