TORONTO – Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) chair Glen McNeil and executive director Kate Burns Gallagher participated in the 2023 Ministers’ Housing Forum in Toronto in November.
McNeil met with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra, associate housing minister Rob Flack and parliamentary assistant Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, to discuss housing in small and rural southwestern communities.
“The housing forum was an opportunity to meet Minister Calandra and ensure that small and rural southwestern Ontario has a voice at the table,” stated McNeil.
Other attendees at the event included municipal representatives, developer associations, non-profits, modular housing builders, as well as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Ontario Big City Mayors and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
The forum included several roundtable discussions on topics such as inclusive housing, modular housing, and missing-middle homes.
By working with provincial representatives, the Caucus aims to bring about solutions to the challenges faced by small and rural municipalities in southwestern Ontario.
“Our communities are leaders in finding solutions to today’s housing crisis,” stated McNeil.
“We are fortunate that both associate minister Flack and parliamentary assistant Rae are from western Ontario and understand the unique challenges and solutions that small and rural communities can bring to the table.
“Through our combined efforts and ongoing advocacy, WOWC remains committed to working closely with our provincial counterparts.”
