in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
August 28, 2025
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) concluded a productive week at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held August 17–20 in Ottawa, with focused advocacy on housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and mental health and addictions. During the conference, WOWC met with:
The Caucus also engaged with the Ontario New Democratic Party, Ontario Liberal Party, and Ontario Green Party to reinforce the importance of cross-party collaboration on rural priorities.
Photo (left to right): Adam Veri, Norfolk County; Warden Grant Jones, Elgin County; Warden Janet Horner, Dufferin County; Warden Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County; Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County; MPP Ernie Hardeman; Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Vice Chair Kevin Marriott, Lambton County; Warden Chris White, Wellington County; Warden Doug Pellum, Perth County; Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County.
The WOWC started the conference on Sunday, August 17, with a joint meeting with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC). The two regional caucuses came together to discuss shared opportunities and challenges facing their collective 220 rural and small urban municipalities across Ontario.
The WOWC and EOWC were honoured to welcome remarks from:
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a unified commitment to the Elect Respect campaign, a province-wide initiative advocating for a safe, respectful, and inclusive democratic environment for candidates, elected officials, and public servants. The joint pledge marks a strong stance against harassment and abuse in politics, and a call for higher standards of civility and inclusion in public life. The caucuses encourage all elected officials, organizations, and members of the public to sign the pledge at www.electrespect.ca.
Photo (left to right): Mike Gladstone, Vice President, Utility Public Affairs and Communications, Enbridge; Lisa Thompson, Minister, Ministry of Rural Affairs; Bonnie Clark, Chair, EOWC; Kevin Mariott, Vice-Chair, WOWC; Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary, Secretary of State (Rural Development); and Christa Lowry, Chair, ROMA.
“Our meetings this week were a valuable opportunity to highlight how Western Ontario is powering Ontario’s economic engine,” said Kevin Marriott, Vice Chair of the WOWC. “From 2016 to 2021, our region grew by over 121,000 people and led the province in housing growth. With $40 billion in investment and 30,000 jobs on the way, our communities are not only growing, but they are also driving Ontario’s prosperity. That growth must be matched with the right infrastructure, housing, workforce supports, and mental health services.” WOWC’s 2025–2027 strategic priorities, outlined in its advocacy plan Powering Ontario’s Economic Engine, call for:
“Our discussions with provincial leaders reaffirmed the need to work together to turn challenges into opportunities,” Marriott added. “By collaborating across all levels of government, we can ensure that Western Ontario has the tools to support growth, create jobs, and build healthy, vibrant communities for the future. The WOWC looks forward to continuing these conversations and working with provincial partners to implement solutions that benefit communities across our region.”
Through ongoing advocacy and collaboration, the WOWC remains committed to ensuring Western Ontario’s growth is supported by strong infrastructure, attainable housing, skilled workers, and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca.
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