Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Advances Regional Priorities at AMO 2026
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) advanced Western Ontario’s key priorities at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference. Meetings with provincial ministers, opposition representatives and municipal partners focused on practical, evidence-based solutions to strengthen communities, support regional competitiveness and drive long-term economic growth.
Throughout the conference, WOWC focused discussions on three key priorities:
- Housing-enabling infrastructure through the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build (COPB)
- Sustainable funding for rural homelessness prevention and community services
- Regional rural transit to improve workforce mobility, strengthen regional connections and support economic growth
Over the course of the conference, WOWC met with:
- The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- The Honourable Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
- The Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
- Ontario NDP
- Ontario Liberal Party
- Ontario Green Party
An important part of WOWC’s advocacy at AMO was its joint meeting with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC). Bringing together municipal leaders from both regions provided an opportunity to discuss shared priorities affecting rural Ontario and reinforce a united municipal voice on issues that extend across regional boundaries.
Across all meetings, discussions centred on how municipalities and the province can continue working together to deliver infrastructure that supports housing growth, strengthen community services, improve regional rural transit and ensure provincial programs reflect the realities of rural and upper-tier municipalities.
“Western Ontario is home to 1.6 million residents, more than 250,000 businesses and nearly 300 communities. As our region continues to grow, municipalities need the infrastructure, transportation networks and community services that allow people and businesses to succeed. Our discussions at AMO focused on practical solutions that recognize the realities of our communities and the important role municipalities play in supporting Ontario’s long-term growth and prosperity,” said WOWC Chair, Marcus Ryan.
In addition to its advocacy meetings, WOWC was pleased to support the annual Counsel Public Affairs Reception, bringing together municipal leaders, provincial representatives and sector partners for an evening of networking, collaboration and relationship building.
“The conversations we had this week were not about identifying challenges. They were about advancing practical solutions. Whether discussing housing-enabling infrastructure, sustainable community services or regional transportation, there was a shared commitment to working together to strengthen communities across Ontario. Those partnerships will continue beyond AMO as we work with the province and municipal partners to turn productive conversations into meaningful progress for the communities we serve,” added Chair Ryan.
The conversations and relationships strengthened throughout AMO will continue in the months ahead as WOWC works collaboratively with the province, municipal partners and stakeholders to advance practical solutions for Western Ontario. WOWC thanks the provincial ministers, opposition representatives, municipal leaders and partners who took the time to meet with the Caucus throughout the conference and looks forward to building on these discussions in the months ahead.
Warden Jamie Heffer, Huron County; Warden Dominique Giguere, Elgin County; WOWC Vice Chair Warden Kevin Marriott, Lambton County; Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Chair of WOWC, Warden Marcus Ryan; Warden Lisa Post, Dufferin County; Deputy Warden Sue Orr, Perth County.
Warden Dominique Giguere, Elgin County, Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County; Warden Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County; Warden Lisa Post, Dufferin County; Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation; Chair of WOWC, Warden Marcus Ryan; WOWC Vice Chair Warden Kevin Marriott, Lambton County; Warden Sue Clarke, Middlesex County; Mayor Amy Martin, Norfolk County
4: Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County; Warden Chris White, Wellington County; Warden Lisa Post, Dufferin County; Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam, Assoc. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Chair of WOWC, Warden Marcus Ryan
About
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.6 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca.
Media Contact
Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director
Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
T: 519-495-6059 E: kate@wowc.ca