Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus highlights regional priorities at AMO

OTTAWA – The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa from Aug. 16 to 19.

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, WOWC officials state in a press release. 

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; and

– regional rural transit to improve workforce mobility, strengthen regional connections and support economic growth. 

Over the course of the conference, WOWC met with:

– Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Honourable Rob Flack; 

– Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions  Vijay Thanigasalam; 

– Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria; 

– the Ontario NDP; 

– the Ontario Liberal Party; and 

– the Ontario Green Party. 

An important part of WOWC’s advocacy at AMO was its joint meeting with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), officials state. 

“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,” stated WOWC chair Marcus Ryan in the release. 

“As our region continues to grow, municipalities need the infrastructure, transportation networks and community services that allow people and businesses to succeed,” he continued.  

“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.”

WOWC also supported the annual Counsel Public Affairs Reception which saw municipal leaders, provincial representatives and sector partners come together 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,” Ryan stated. 

“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,” he said. 

“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,” officials add in the release. 

“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.”