The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) brought its message to Queen’s Park on Monday, June 2, with a day of meetings and a reception aimed at reinforcing the region’s role as a driver of Ontario’s economy.
The advocacy day marked the official launch of the WOWC’s 2025–2027 Strategic Priorities: Powering Ontario’s Economic Engine, a roadmap designed to enhance prosperity, connectivity, and resilience across Western Ontario. The caucus represents 15 upper and single-tier municipalities and more than 1.6 million residents in rural and mid-sized communities, which collectively generate over $226 billion in exports and support more than 250,000 businesses.
“This week marks a pivotal moment for our region,” said Amy Martin, Chair of the WOWC and Mayor of Norfolk County, during remarks at the evening reception. “We are proud to launch our new Strategic Plan at Queen’s Park, in partnership with the Provincial government, to help advance solutions for the people and businesses powering Ontario’s economy.”
Throughout the day, WOWC members held targeted meetings with Cabinet Ministers to outline their key priorities and discuss potential areas for collaboration. Among those engaged in discussions were the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Infrastructure, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Economic Development and Trade, and the Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The 2025–2027 plan outlines major focus areas including infrastructure funding, housing affordability, workforce development, and mental health support—each identified as critical to the long-term vitality of the region. The WOWC emphasized the urgent need for increased provincial support to address growing pressures on infrastructure, escalating housing costs, labour market challenges, and mounting demands on local social services.
“These are not just local challenges, rather they are Ontario-wide priorities that require meaningful collaboration between all levels of government – and we’re here to offer practical, evidence-based solutions that reflect the realities of Ontario’s municipalities,” said Martin. “Let’s ensure that those powering Ontario’s economy have the infrastructure, people, and support systems they need not just to keep going—but to thrive. By working together, we can continue to power Ontario’s economic engine.”
The WOWC reiterated its commitment to non-partisan, solution-oriented advocacy and regional unity, and expressed optimism about continued engagement with provincial partners.
More information on the Strategic Priorities is available at www.wowc.ca.
